Here you'll find a selection of just a few stable stars that could shine this week
Nicky Henderson endured a Cheltenham Festival to forget last month as illness ripped through his Seven Barrows yard. The likes of Constitution Hill, Sir Gino, Shishkin and Jonbon were pulled from the Festival whilst most of those that did run either pulled up or finished well down the field. Henderson finished without a single race winner over the entire week.
Aintree is time for redemption for Nicky Henderson as he travels to Merseyside with several major fancies this week. Here you'll find a selection of just a few stable stars that could shine at Aintree.
Sir Gino
Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle
Two wins in the UK by a combined distance of 24 lengths saw Sir Gino installed as the red-hot favourite for the Triumph Hurdle but he was just one of many to be pulled in the days leading up to the Cheltenham Festival. A massive talent and it’s no surprise to see him odds-on on the opening day of the festival. Sir Gino will be amongst the most popular picks for those betting on horse racing this week.
Shishkin
Just half an hour after Sir Gino runs, Shishkin could give connections a quick-fire double in the Bowl. This season has turned into one of frustration for all involved with this popular ten-year-old. Shishkin looked set to win the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day but stumbled and unseated his rider after two out when leading. He bounced back to land the Denman Chase at Newbury in February but was pulled from the Gold Cup when looking like Britain’s best hope in the race.
Shiskin won the Bowl last year, claiming his second win in three years at this meeting having also landed the Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase here in 2021. Gerri Colombe heads a strong field for this year’s Bowl renewal but write off Shishkin at your peril.
Jonbon
My Pension Expert Melling Chase
Jonbon has enjoyed incredible success at 2m and after pulling out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase he is now stepped up to 2m4f. Won his only point-to-point race over 3m and should not have any problems stepping up in trip. Jonbon is likely to go to post as the bookies’ favourite but Ryanair Chase winner, Protektorat is a real danger.
Shanagh Bob
Cavani Sartorial Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle
Still unexposed over hurdles, Shanagh Bob was well-fancied for the Albert Bartlett and has an excellent chance in Friday’s Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. Followed up a solid performance in a novice race at Plumpton by winning a Grade 2 over Friday’s distance at Cheltenham in December. A big player.