Perhaps the most important Grand National Trial of the season is the Becher Chase at Aintree in November as it gives horses the rare opportunity to gain some experience over the famous Aintree Fences. There is always a top field for the Becher Chase with plenty of Grand National hopefuls always in the line-up, it can be used as a tune up for the more experienced horses while giving the younger ones their first spin around Aintree.
A good performance here will see a horses price for the Aintree Grand National itself slashed as a result, the Becher Chase is run over a trip of 3 miles 2 furlongs so punters should always look for those who are staying on through the line with the National in mind. Since the Becher Chase was first run in 1992 there have been three winners who have gone onto win the Grand National, they are Earth Summit, Amberleigh House and Silver Birch in 2004.
Dessie Hughes has dominated the Becher Chase for the past two years with Black Apalachi winning in 2008 and Vic Venturi in 2009; Black Apalachi in particular has come very close in the National since with an excellent second place in 2010.
Awaiting odds.............................
14:10 Betfred Becher Handicap Chase (Listed) (National Course) (Class 1, 3m 2f)
1.West End Rocker - W Hutchinson - A King - 10/1
2.Niche Market - H Skelton - P Nicholls - 9/1
3.Ballyvesey - B Hughes - P Bowen - 20/1
14 Ran
*Grand National Winners In Bold
