Straightforward for Gerri Colombe at Down Royal, with Nick Rockett third

Gerri Colombe gave Gordon Elliott some decisions to make with a straightforward victory in the Bluegrass Racehorse Cube Chase at Down Royal, where Grand National hero Nick Rockett was third on his return to action.

The 10-year-old Gerri Colombe had been somewhat out of sorts this season before chasing home National joint-favourite Grangeclare West in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse.

He continued to tune up for Aintree when justifying odds of 8-13 with a five-length victory over Roi Mage, leaving Elliott to decide whether to go for the world’s greatest steeplechase or the Aintree Bowl, a race he won two years ago.

Nick Rockett had not run since his Aintree heroics and needed the outing in order to meet the qualifying criteria for this year’s race. Never nearer than third, connections will have been pleased to see him get some racing into his legs.

Former Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe was prominent throughout with the gallant 14-year-old Roi Mage, before Jack Kennedy sent him clear approaching the last and he duly kicked on to come home under no pressure.

He was shortened into 25-1 from 33-1 by Paddy Power for the National with defending champion Nick Rockett unchanged at 20-1. Coral make them both 20-1 chances.

Elliott said: “Jack said he loved the ground, he really enjoyed himself. He said he didn’t do a stroke when he got to the front.

“He jumped well, so very happy.”

When asked if he will go straight to the Aintree National, the Cullentra handler replied: “He’s in the National and we have the choice of the Bowl as well, so we’ll have a chat with Brian and Rob (Acheson) and the whole team (Robcour), and see what we think.

“I was delighted with him (in Fairyhouse), he’s coming along the whole way. Obviously, he had a setback and missed most of last year.

“He’s been unbelievable for me.”

Elliott doubled when Lizzie Twigg (4-1) made a winning bow in the Bluegrass Mare Prepare Mares INH Flat Race in the hands of Josh Halford.

Elliott said: “We think she’s a good filly.

“She’s a filly that could end up going to Aintree (Grade Two mares’ bumper) now, or one of those black-type races at one of the festivals at home.

“She won’t jump this year, but we think she is a good filly.”