This Saturday's highlight at Aintree Racecourse is the fiercely competitive Becher Chase, a gruelling test over the iconic Grand National fences. The 2.40pm feature has an extra layer of intrigue this year, with sponsors William Hill offering a staggering £500,000 bonus to any horse that wins here and follows up with victory in the Randox Grand National next April.
Baxter Poised for Becher Challenge
While the current favourite, Mr Vango, is respected, the eye-catching each-way value in the race is Bill Baxter at 12/1. Trained by Warren Greatrex, this nine-year-old has proven form over these unique obstacles, having won the Topham Chase in 2023. His spring victory at Punchestown, where he sauntered home by 12 lengths, marked him as a horse on the upgrade.
Although his handicap mark has risen accordingly, he remains feasibly weighted. A promising seasonal reappearance when second over hurdles should have him perfectly tuned for this return to the big fences. The three-mile-two-furlong trip is well within his compass, making him a formidable contender.
O'Connell The One for London National
Several runners at Aintree are also engaged in the day's other major staying handicap, the London National at Sandown (3.35pm). Among them is Tanganyika, but the standout selection is O'Connell at 5/1. The Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith-trained gelding returns to the scene of an emphatic February win on heavy ground.
He subsequently finished a fine second in the marathon Eider Chase, confirming his immense stamina. Crucially, he races off an unchanged handicap mark of 132, suggesting he could be leniently treated. The potential defection of the exciting but unexposed Aworkinprogress, who may instead head to Chepstow, strengthens his claims further.
Progressive Aworkinprogress Heads for Welsh Trial
The Welsh Grand National Trial at Chepstow (1.36pm) is the likely target for the unbeaten chaser Aworkinprogress. This six-year-old has won all five of his starts over fences and appears to be a young horse of significant potential. He thrives in testing conditions, which are almost guaranteed at Chepstow, and the fact he has won despite making the odd jumping error indicates he could be well-handicapped off a mark of 125.
With a place in the Welsh Grand National later this month at stake, a bold showing is expected. It is also recommended to take the ante-post 12/1 each-way available for him in that premier Chepstow contest.
Saturday Pointers:
- Aworkinprogress - 1.36pm Chepstow
- Bill Baxter (e/w) - 2.40pm Aintree
- O'Connell - 3.35pm Sandown
