Horse Racing broadcaster and entrepreneur Josh Apiafi says that Gordon Elliott could have a future Grand National contender in Romeo Coolio.
The seven-year-old has been a standout novice chaser this season since switching from hurdles.
A pair of Grade 1 victories in Ireland before the turn of the year were followed by a thrilling Irish Arkle triumph at the Dublin Racing Festival in February.
Romeo Coolio was then pulled up in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at this year's Cheltenham Festival, which prolonged the wait for a win in the Cotswolds after near misses in the Champion Bumper and the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
While the Brown Advisory was the first time that Romeo Coolio has gone three miles, Apiafi believes that the horse could be an excellent stayer over the longer trip if connections opt for that route next year.
"I think he is an out an out stayer, but his handicap mark would be gone if he was ever considered for a Grand National," said Apiafi.
"It's difficult to assess who could be in the frame for next year's race, you could be talking about novice chasers or even hurdlers that have not even been chasing yet.
"But my favourite horse coming through the ranks which has run some amazing races, and also some poor races, is Romeo Coolio.
"He's a beautiful horse and he's better on a decent enough ground. I was at the Dublin Racing Festival where he got home and it was a slog.
"It seems to be that the further he goes, the better he goes. As much as the owners are mad keen to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase with him, which is their favourite race, I think they’ve got their hands on a serious horse.
Prior to Cheltenham he was favourite for the 2027 Gold Cup and I just think he is a proper class horse.
Apiafi admits that a Grand National appearance next year might not be the chosen route despite Romeo Coolio's staying qualities.
Romeo Coolio is currently priced up at 25/1 in the Antepost betting for the King George VI Chase on Boxing Day, whilst he is also available at 16/1 for next year's Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
It remains to be seen whether he will be in the reckoning for Aintree in twelve months time but Apiafi believes he would be a serious contender if that becomes an option.
"The problem you’ve got is that he would probably be rated 160+ before he gets to a National.
"Equally if your classy enough, away you go and he's only going to get better with age.
"He’s one to watch if we are looking at horses to come through. Whether he will ever run in the Grand National, I probably doubt it, but if he did he would be of serious consideration."
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
