IT’S BACK TO BLAK

Sam’s the man for Aintree double

LAST year’s big winner Blaklion is 4-1 favourite for today’s Becher Chase at Aintree (1.30).

Unibet will be paying five places each way– which is a good job because this looks a wide-open contest.

But Sam Twiston-Davies’ mount is 5lbs higher in the weights although his record around the National fences speaks for itself.

Ballyoptic hails from the same yard and is 5-1.

Vieux Lion Rouge has his first run since a wind op and sports a tongue tie and he is 8-1 from 10-1.

Present Man was wellbacked at Wincanton and punters have not deserted Paul Nicholls’ runner who is no bigger than 7-1.

However, the interesting option comes in the shape of Don Poli in his first start since a fine third in the Unibet Irish Gold Cup 664 days ago.

The money has been down on Gordon Elliott’s charge who is 15-2 from 16-1.

Others that have been backed include 2015 hero Highland Lodge (14-1) and Colin Tizzard’s Topham Chase winner Ultragold (10-1).

In the Grand Sefton (3.15), Captain Redbeard has been popular at 7-1 along with Warrior’s Tale for Paul Nicholls who has a 26 per cent strike for the last 14 days.

2016 Grand National hero One For Arthur makes a belated return to action in the Many Clouds Chase (2.05) but Definitly Red has been punted to follow up his recent Charlie Hall victory.

Down at Sandown, Altior is the attraction on show in the Tingle Creek (3.00) and Nicky Henderson’s speedster is now 4-6 – from 8-13 – to make a winning seasonal debut.

He will be hard to peg back but Un De Sceaux has moved into 9-2 from 6-1 and the 2016 winner should not be underestimated along with Sceau Royal who is on the upgrade and 5-1 is a fair price.

In the Henry VIII Chase (1.50), Lalor bids to cement his Arkle claims and punters are not looking anywhere else for the winner.

Red Infantry has been been the best backed in the London National (3.35).