Aintree-loving Ahoy Senor attempts to Bowl rivals over

Lucinda Russell may have the Randox Grand National favourite but there could be earlier celebrations if Ahoy Senor shines in the Alder Hey Aintree Bowl Chase.

The eight-year-old fell at the 17th fence in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but prior to that won the Cotswold Chase over course and distance in January.

He has shone at Aintree before, winning the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at massive odds of 66-1 in 2021 and taking the Mildmay Novices’ Chase by five lengths at the meeting the following season.

Though the Festival did not go to plan, the racing calendar has fallen in such a way this term that there is an extra week between two big spring meetings – a boon for horses running in both.

"He’s in great form, I’m looking forward to the good ground with him," Russell said.

"This looks a tough race, tougher even than the Gold Cup I think, but he’s in good form and we travel with hope.

"It’s been quite handy to have that extra time between the two meetings, he’s been thriving.

"He always seems to go well at this time of year, he’s quite a spring-time horse."

Paul Nicholls’ Bravemansgame was the runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup when last seen, finishing seven lengths behind Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs.

The third-placed horse was a further six and a half lengths behind him and Nicholls was delighted with his performance under Harry Cobden.

"Bravemansgame ran the race of his life in finishing second in the Gold Cup. It was a hell of a race, as good a Gold Cup as you will see with an end-to-end gallop," Nicholls told his Betfair blog.

"He was pinpoint accurate at his fences and was the only one to make a race of it with the winner Galopin Des Champs.

"Bravemansgame looks tremendous, has been working really well and there is no sign of