Timeform Daily Race Preview: Thursday April 2nd, Aintree, 3:10

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 01 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

On the first day of Aintree, Timeform run the rule over the totesport Bowl Chase (Grade 2) (1)

Denman was an impressive winner of the 2008 Gold Cup and put his heart problem behind him when second to Kauto Star in the latest renewal three weeks ago. This track or ground are not sure to play to his strengths, however.

Exotic Dancer won this in 2007 after finishing second in the Gold Cup and comes here on the back of another placing in the big race. He has two-and-a-half lengths to find with Denman on that form but there are fewer doubts about him.

Madison Du Berlais has been much improved in cheekpieces and has won the Hennessy at Newbury and a Grade two event at Kempton this winter. He ran poorly in the Gold Cup on his latest start but this flatter track should help.

Our Vic was better than ever last season, conquering Kauto Star in this race, but he is in the veteran stage now and has been pulled up both starts this term, bleeding from the nose last time.

Snoopy Loopy is no spring chicken but his career only took off this season, notably when landing the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November. He has had very little impact in top company in his last three starts, however.

The Listener is a mud-loving staying chaser who has enjoyed considerable success with raids across the Irish Sea. He has been largely disappointing for his new trainer this season, though, and will surely find the ground too lively.

Mister Mcgoldrick has been a tremendous servant to connections down the years, running away with the Racing Post Plate at last year's Cheltenham Festival. He has struggled this season, however, and is out of his depth.

Air Force One built on a good novice campaign when runner-up in the Hennessy at Newbury in November, but was seemingly found out in the King George and the Cheltenham Gold Cup since.

Albertas Run was better than ever when second to Kauto Star in King George VI Chase on Boxing Day. He has been disappointing otherwise this term, though, and the fitting of a tongue tie needs to have a positive effect.

Star De Mohaison's leg trouble put the brakes on his career in recent years, but he showed he retains all his ability when second under a big weight at Cheltenham in December. He was beaten out of sight in the Gold Cup last time, though.