BETFRED BECHER HANDICAP CHASE (LISTED RACE) (CLASS 1)

03/12/11 Aintree Racecourse 3 miles 2 furlongs

   

The Becher Chase is a listed chase and is run over three miles two furlongs and is open to horses of five years and older.

The Becher chase is run over The Grand National fences and if often a race that trainers use to try out possible Grand National runners. In the previous 19 runnings only three Grand National winner have come from the race but lots more of the Becher winners have gone on to run really well in the race.

Not the greatest renewal of the race this year but the race is very competitive. Last years winner Hello Bud is attempting to emulate Into the Red and become the second dual winner and still looks enthusiastic in his runs and could go well but at 13 going on 14 looks to have much on his plate here.
Another Palm has been very well supported in the market and is sure to go well as well supported Irish raiders should not be ignored.
With an average age of 9 looks it looks to be the race for good chasers starting to extend their trips but with three 12 year olds and a 7 year old winners it can be seen that the age split is large. The weight difference of the winners also covers a large split so the only pointer to the race is that you need a good jumper that can stay, but of course that is the same for most of these types of chases.

Paul Nicholls despite not yet having the winner of the Grand National has had three winners of this race and runs Niche Market today and also another trainer Nigel Twiston Davies has had 4 winners (Hello Bud). Another trainer of note is Dessie Hughes who has won 2 of the last three races and who runs Rare Bob today.

 

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List of Runners

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Race Preview

Mad Max

Good chaser at around 2 miles. Mad Max has been running in good quality chases and is now high enough in the handicap. Trying this distance for the first time at 9 years old and it is difficult to assess his chances fully.

Rare Bob

Consistent horse who more often finds one or two too good in a race. 18 win and places in 31 runs. Rare Bob requires very soft ground to show his best.

Niche Market

Past winner of the Irish National in 2009 this 10 year old bay gelding has run twice over the Aintree fences in the Grand National, in 2010 he did not seem to like the course and made mistakes and was finally pulled up three from home. However last year he ran a really good race but perhaps was a bit unlucky to be left in from at Valentines on the second circuit. He lost his pace and weakened in the closing stages. Despite this he did finish a good 5th place. Likely to run a good race today but not a prolific winner with only two wins in his 25 race career but proven over course.

Swing Bill

French import in to the David Pipe yard. 5th in last seasons Topham chase at this course. Runs well on any ground and looks an interesting runner.

Always Waining

Dual Topham winner at this course. always Waining is a well exposed 10 year old who often runs in hurdle races but is a better chaser. Seems to run better in the spring but love theses types of park courses and this one in particular.

West End Rocker

Good long distance chaser who finishes in the frame more often than not when he finishes a race. Two pulled ups and a brought down on last three races so there is something to take on trust with this horse. The Brought down was in The Grand National last season and was at Bechers so it was too early in the race to be of any real insight. Good winner of the grade three TOTESPORT.COM CLASSIC CHASE in January last year. Not without a chance and runs well for today's jockey.

Merchant Paddy

Nice consistent chaser who takes a step up in class today. Irish raider who looks too high in the handicap at the moment.

Hello Bud

2009 Scottish National winner put up a great performance to win this race last season. Pulled up in The National last season but has finished 5th in the race 2010. At 13 looks to have plenty on here in a competitive event.

Nicto De Beauchene

Nice chaser who is another taking a step up in class. Untried at these fences but a good jumper. Had a pair of PU's at the end of last season but run well on seasonal reappearance in a handicap chase at Bangor-on-Dee.

Aberbraney

Consistent horse who has been lightly raced in the last couple of years. Ex-Irish runner who is now running for a new stable. Could be a dark horse and better than his handicap mark would suggest and may run well for this new stable. A interesting runner.

Max Bygraves

A nice chaser who comes here on the back of a win at Huntington. Trying this distance for the first time and there are others with better chances.

Shalimar Fromentro

Young French horse who needs plenty of cut to run well. Looks an interesting runner in soft ground.

Another Palm

An interesting Irish raider who has plenty of support in the market. Close second in the Cork National early last month and should go well.

Pak Jack

This 11 year old chestnut gelding has plenty of experience on this course and over these fences. Best effort was 3rd in 2007 in this race and 2nd in 2009 Grand Sefton however 7 runs and no wins gives him a lot to make up especially as he is running from out of the handicap.

Ballyvesey

Progressive 6 year old who has plenty of runs and is one who the handicapper has hold of. Running from just out of the handicap.

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Result of the Race

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