Point set to show the way
CHRISTMAS has arrived early for lovers of races over the Grand National fences with the Becher Chase (1.30 Aintree) taking pride of place.
It’s a contest that’s served this column well down the years and we’ve unearthed a few runners who fit these all-important stats:
■ Official rating between 130 and 139.
■ Carrying 11st 1lb or less.
■ Proven stamina.
■ Prominent runner.
The weight trend means a lot of the bigger names have fallen by the wayside, but we are still left with two interesting qualifiers and a slightly ‘iffy’ one.
is the horse best avoided as he hasn’t sparkled since winning at Catterick back in January.
He never got into contention over these fences in the Topham in April and it may be a similar story here.
Assuming he takes to today’s big fences, is
of major interest.
The Eddie O’gradytrained eight-year-old knows how to get the job done with a record of eight wins from 23 races — even though his recent good form has been over the smaller obstacles.
He acts on soft ground and is well worth a 2pt each-way poke at 16-1 with bet365.
Have the same bet at 16-1 in places about Fergal O’brien’s
who is another who has been trained with this race in mind.