Tipping / Timeform / 08 April 2010 /

The totesport Bowl is the highlight on day one of the Grand National Meeting at Aintree...

Calgary Bay is a real chasing type who didn't fulfil his initial promise as a novice but got right back on track at Doncaster in December. He had too much on his plate in the Gold Cup last time, however, and it's a similar story here.

Carruthers is a genuine, bold-jumping front runner who is at his best when the mud is flying. He produced a cracking effort when fourth in the Gold Cup last time and may be the one to take advantage if the favourite disappoints.

Imperial Commander produced a performance from the very top drawer to win the Gold Cup by seven lengths from Denman. He is the one to beat on form, but it remains to be seen whether he's able to reproduce it less than three weeks on.

Nacarat is a front runner who developed into a high-class chaser in 2008/9, and he has regained the progressive thread this term, finishing an excellent second in a top handicap at Kempton last time. He is sure to put up bold show.

What A Friend is a quirky type, but he boasts an impressive four from six record over fences and it's hard to fault his progress this season, winning the Lexus in Ireland over Christmas. There could be more to come, though there will need to be.

Verdict

All eyes will be on Imperial Commander, but the supremely demanding nature of Cheltenham's blue riband means supplementing Gold Cup success here is anything but a formality, and at the likely prices he could be worth taking on with Carruthers and, more so, Nacarat. The latter ran well here last season, whilst the former is a most likeable sort who is sure to make another bold bid.

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