'He could be a Gold Cup horse' - Gerri Colombe looks a future star in Scilly Isles

Cheltenham Gold Cup dreams were being hatched in the Sandown winner's enclosure after Gerri Colombe outstayed runner-up Balco Coastal to land the Grade 1 Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices' Chase.

While bookmakers took the shears to Gerri Colombe's price for the novice chases at this year's Cheltenham Festival, winning connections seemed more focused on 2024 and the biggest prize in the sport, and the way he powered up Sandown's steep finish meant it wasn't hard to understand why.   

Apart from one sticky leap four fences from home, Gerri Colombe was quick through the air under Jordan Gainford and, despite looking likely to be beaten for speed when Balco Coastal went on at the third-last, the scales were always leaning back in Gerri Colombe's favour as they met the rising ground in the home straight.  

"He got in a bit tight to the last Railway fence and it was a little bit of a worry, but Jordan got him back," said winning owner Brian Acheson, whose horses run under the Robcour banner. "It's great when you've got a kid like Jordan up – you've huge confidence in the jockey."   

Paddy Power initially made the winner 5-2 favourite (from 12-1) for the National Hunt Chase in March, but having yet to finish in the first four in a chase staged over 2m7½f or further he is not eligible for the Grade 2 contest, meaning it will be the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase or nothing at this year's festival, with Paddy Power offering 3-1 (from 4-1) for next month's 3m½f Grade 1.

Gerri Colombe (right) forges away from Balco Coastal Credit: Mark Cranham

"I'd be looking at next year," admitted Acheson. "If Gordon Elliott decides he doesn't want to go to Cheltenham [this season] I'd have no issue with that. Next season he could be a Gold Cup horse. 

"Gordon has always thought he's a Gold Cup horse, but we have to keep him sound and we'll take him easy. I'm sure there will be ante-post punters going bananas because I've told you he might not go to the festival, but we're looking at next year and the Gold Cup for this horse if we can keep him sound." 

Despite that long-term target, Acheson left the Brown Advisory door ajar and discussions with Elliott and Gainford will follow. He added: "The only thing that has been ruled out today is the National Hunt Chase because we can't qualify." 

Victory maintained Gainford's perfect form at Sandown, with the 22-year-old extending his winning record to two wins from two rides having landed the bet365 Gold Cup aboard Hewick on his only previous visit to the track last April.

A cool customer, Gainford said he was unflustered when Balco Coastal headed him turning for home and always had faith in a horse he believes can go right to the top over fences. 

"He only does enough, relishes soft ground and I'd say next year he'll be even better," said the winning rider. "He's very laid back and hopefully he'll keep going forward. He could go the Gold Cup route [next season], he has enough class for that."

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