The Becher Chase (Saturday 9 December) is a 3-mile 2-furlong Grade 3 Handicap Chase run at Aintree over 21 of the Grand National Fences, including Becher’s Brook the famous fence from which the race derives its name.
Its most famous winners are 2001 winner Amberleigh House and 2004 winner Silver Birch, who both returned 3-years later to win the Grand National. Meanwhile, 1998 Grand National winner Earth Summit returned in the Autumn of the same year to again show his liking of the Grand National fences.
10-Year-Trends
- Winners have been aged 7 to 14, with 5 of the last 10 winners being 9-year-olds
- Winners have carried between 10-0 and 11-12, but the last 7 winners have all carried 10-12 or less
- Winners have been rated between 130 and 148, with 7 winners rated between 130 and 138
- Vic Venturi has been the shortest-priced winner at 7/1
- Oscar Time has been the longest-priced winner at 25/1
- Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and jockey Sam Twiston-Davies have teamed up to win 2 of the last 7 renewals
Major Contenders
Blaklion
Looked sure to win the Grand National last season before his stamina gave way and, though he looks sure to go well here after a great run at Wetherby on his seasonal debut, his rating in the 150’s means he’s not a good stats fit judging off recent renewals of this race. Nigel Twiston-Davies trains him though.
Vieux Lion Rouge
Rated 142 when winning last year’s renewal, but only had 10-9 to carry. Will have a lot more weight this time around, and has finished well-behind Blaklion on his last two starts.
Go Conquest
Looks an improved horse this season after winning handicaps off marks of 135 and 142, but another rise in the weights could leave him vulnerable in this. Also flopped over the Grand National fences in last season’s Topham Chase, though was unlucky to be hampered.
The Last Samuri
Ran a terrific race to be third in last season’s renewal off a mark of 159, again showing he loves these fences after finishing second in the 2016 Grand National. Will have to run off a big-weight again though.
Present Man
Badger Ales Chase winner this season off 142, and the rise he’ll get for that will again mean he’s on a higher mark than most recent winners. Probably prefers going right-handed too.
Ucello Conti
Looks sure to be on a similar mark to when he was fourth in the race last year, and a mid-race blunder cost him vital ground then. The ground was also probably a bit quick for him last year, and he could be each-way value if the ground comes up soft.
Gas Line Boy
Fell in 2 of his 3 goes over the Grand National Fences, but was a decent fifth in last year’s Grand National. Also looked to have a Veterans Chase here in the bag before falling earlier in the season. Deserves another crack at a big one.
Summary
If the Last Samuri runs, horses rated around the low 140’s will get to carry 10-12 or less, which the last 7 winners have all done. Therefore, this could be a great opportunity for Gas Line Boy to get a deserved win here after a couple of unlucky falls, and after fading late on in last season’s Grand National.
Tip: Gas Line Boy each-way @