Blaklion will give Aintree one more try

BLAKLION is the new favourite for the Aintree Grand National after a faultless display in the Becher Chase at Aintree.

Fourth in the big event in April when seemingly failing to see out the marathon trip, he was far more at home over three miles, despite the testing conditions.

Ridden by Gavin Sheehan, as he was when narrowly beaten by stablemate Bristol De Mai in the Charlie Hall Chase, Nigel TwistonDavies’ eight-yearold won by nine lengths.

The result was never in doubt for the 7-4 favourite. Aintree regulars The Last Samuri and Highland Lodge once again showed their affection for the big fences, but were ultimately well beaten in second and third respectively.

Twiston-Davies said: ‘It was a superb round of jumping, but it’s a relief to see him win. He didn’t seem to quite get home in the National last year, but we dropped back a mile and our prayers have been answered.

‘Others will come out of the woodwork for the National I’m sure, but he must have a very good chance if we ride him a bit more restrained, like we did today – we’ve only got eight lengths to find.’