The Becher Handicap Chase headlines Aintree’s action on Saturday and we are treated to seeing horses take on the Grand National fences once again.
Charlie Sharp provides his analysis on the big race as well as some other selections at Aintree’s meeting, where they race from 11.10-3.15, with the Becher Handicap Chase itself due off at 2.05.
2.05 – Becher Handicap Chase (3m2f)
A field of 14 will battle for Aintree’s second event over the National fences this season and the market is headed by last year’s winner, Ashtown Lad.
The Dan Skelton-trained chaser won 2022’s renewal of this race by just over two lengths when running off a mark of 138, beating the favourite Gesskille as they pulled away from the field. He’ll have to put in a much better performance than his seasonal reappearance last month, however that can be forgiven. This race was always likely to be the main aim.
Percussion, who finished third in this event last season, has shown that he relishes the National fences with form figures of 332 all coming in the past 13 months. Although he is running 6lb out of the weights, his experience over these fences can be a major advantage.
The 2023 Troytown Chase winner Coko Beach will take to the National fences for the third time in his career, having run in the 2022 and 2023 Grand Nationals. He is giving away a lot of weight to the field, a minimum of 15lb, and he would have to be considered a Graded horse to win under these conditions.
Undersupervision will run at Aintree for the first time in his career on Saturday. The seven-year-old has run half of his races at Cheltenham, but his form at flatter tracks such as Doncaster and Hereford would suggest that he could really enjoy Aintree. This stout stayer should have no problems with the trip and will love the soft conditions underfoot. At the prices, with extra places available, he must have a great chance of finishing in the frame.
1.30 - Boylesports Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (2m4f)
This competitive handicap chase sees 16 runners go to post and it wouldn’t be surprising to see four jostling for favouritism before the off.
Richmond Lake made a very pleasing reappearance over hurdles at Wetherby last month and finished his chasing season back in April with a very eye-catching record with form figures reading 1211 between January and April in 2023. This race is a step up for him, but it’s hard to argue against a horse who is so used to being in the winners’ enclosure.
Jockey Charlie Deutsch and Trainer Venetia Williams are one of the best partnerships around when it comes to handicap chases and with the trainer in such flying form, it’s hard to justify her charges not being favourite every time they run. Brave Seasca has a 100% record at Aintree and has won on soft ground three times in his career. The top-weight will bid to seek redemption after finishing last in the Haldon Gold Cup last month, but this horse has run in Graded races in the past and he may not be finished with winning races just yet.
