Consider King George as a potential choice for Gerri Colombe
Gordon Elliott Keeps Options Open for Gerri Colombe
Gordon Elliott has left the racing world puzzled with his indecision regarding Gerri Colombe’s next race. After an impressive victory at Down Royal, speculation arose about whether the talented seven-year-old would compete in either Leopardstown’s Savills Chase or Cheltenham’s Cotswold Chase on Festival Trials Day as a stepping stone towards the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
However, recent events have thrown everyone off balance. Both defending champion Bravemansgame and Nicky Henderson’s Shishkin failed to impress in their respective races at Haydock and Ascot over the weekend. This sudden turn of events prompted Cullentra House handler Elliott to briefly suggest a potential trip for Gerri Colombe to Kempton for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase during an interview following Imagine’s victory at Punchestown on Sunday.
The unexpected mention of the King George VI Chase caused bookmakers to react swiftly, adjusting their odds and igniting further confusion among racing enthusiasts. With significant support pouring in for Gerri Colombe, he has now overtaken Bravemansgame as the favorite according to some layers.
Elliott addressed this uncertainty when speaking to PA news agency by stating, “Everything is still kind of up in the air and everything is open… We won’t know for two weeks what we are doing.” The final decision will heavily depend on ground conditions closer to race day.
When asked if recent dramatic events make him more tempted to saddle his first King George runner since Don Cossack in 2015, Elliott remained focused on his own horse. “To be honest, I just worry about my own horse, I don’t worry about anyone else,” he responded.
Don Cossack’s ill-fated run as the 15-8 favorite for Kempton’s Christmas showpiece in 2015 did not deter him from achieving Gold Cup glory the following March. Similarly, Gerri Colombe, owned by Robcour, is currently vying for favoritism alongside Willie Mullins’ Galopin Des Champs in the betting markets for the upcoming Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Conclusion
Gordon Elliott’s enigmatic behavior and ambiguous statements have left racing fans bewildered regarding Gerri Colombe’s next move. Will it be a showdown at Kempton in the King George VI Chase? Or will Leopardstown or Cheltenham provide a more suitable stage?
The only certainty amidst this perplexing situation is that Gerri Colombe has become an intriguing figure to watch out for in these upcoming races. Only time will tell which path Elliott ultimately chooses for this promising seven-year-old.