'He's one we like a lot' - unbeaten Gerri Colombe kicks off his chasing career

Tuesday: 1.07 Fairyhouse
Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee Beginners Chase | 2m5f (inner) | 4yo+ | RTV

The unbeaten , a 20-1 shot with Paddy Power for the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham, begins his career over fences in the Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee Beginners Chase (1.07).

It looks a very tasty affair as he takes on Bronn and Shantreusse, who were both Graded winners over hurdles.

The 2m5f event has been an informative affair in recent years with Arkle runner-up Gabynako beating subsequent Grade 1 winner Fury Road last year, while Galvin was fourth to Ronald Pump in 2019.

This time most eyes will be on Gerri Colombe, who has the perfect record having won two bumpers and two hurdle races.

Gordon Elliott has always felt we would not see the best of him until he was sent over fences, so his presence adds significant intrigue to a race which should contain numerous future winners.

Elliott said: "We're hoping he's going to make a really nice novice chaser. Ideally, he wants soft ground, so conditions should be fine for him at Fairyhouse. You'd have to be excited about seeing what he can do over fences. He's one we like a lot."

On his other representative Coqolino, Elliott added: "He had a setback last season and that's why you didn't see him after he bumped into Bob Olinger at Gowran Park. He's a fine, big horse and we're looking forward to getting his chasing career back on track."

Bronn's finest moment arrived at Fairyhouse in April when he upset some well-regarded rivals in a Grade 2 novice hurdle and he returns to the track for his chasing debut.

Willie Mullins said: "It looks like quite a hot race with Gerri Colombe and a few others in there and I'd be delighted with a clear round, and if he could finish in the first four. It will be nice safe ground for him and this looks like a nice place to start him over fences."

Henry de Bromhead has his team firing on all cylinders with eight winners in the last fortnight and he is looking forward to getting Shantreusse started over fences. He won a Grade 3 over hurdles and is a 33-1 shot for the Brown Advisory.

De Bromhead said: "He's in good form and has been working well. He's a nice horse."

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