Becher Chase Tips: Classico Can Hit The Right Note
At Aintree, the feature race of the day over the iconic Grand National fences is the Becher Chase. There is a real clash of profiles at the top of the market, and while Billy Grimshaw respects the low weight improvers, he is hoping we see a huge performance from one...
This is the race of the weekend. Yes, the Tingle Creek is a Grade 1 and has the highest rated contender in Jonbon, and the sight of rapid two milers pinging those Railway fences is a thing of beauty, but the field here up at Aintree for the Becher is a cracker and I just love seeing them go round this course. It's going to be a test as the rain ain't stopping up here in the North West. The statistics say that you want a low weight in this race regardless of the ground, and with it being soft or heavy that could become even more of a factor, however I am going to take a chance that CHIANTI CLAsSICO is as good as he has looked for Kim Bailey and can shrug off top weight once more to bound to glory.
He is a fantastic jumper of a fence and although on the smaller side, he jumps like a stag. While I was stung backing Coko Beach off top weight in here last season, I'd be fairly disappointed if this lad was running in cross country races anytime soon like that gorgeous front running grey now is! It is probably fanciful to think Chianti Classico will develop into a real Gold Cup contender - particularly this year when the Irish challenge looks stronger than ever - I do think he can win this. Kim Bailey has said the Grand National is the aim for the season, and this could well just be a prep and a sighter over the fences, however this horse loves to battle and win and if he is jumping like a stag off the front end, I can't see Jonny Burke not going all out to win what is still a valuable prize.
It is a real challenge taking on King Turgeon, the Grand Sefton winner, and the horse he beat that day and who is now on better terms for a yard in better form than they were in Gaboriot. I was cheering King Turgeon on that day but with this extra distance, the mud flying and the weight swing I do think Gaboriot will probably come out on top in that rematch. Hopefully though, both will be floundering behind Chianti Classico as he gets them all pressing the panic button from the front!
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I'm not using the trend of lower weight success against him as I don't think there's been a runner of this class in here for some time, so he rates the play and the 9/2 on offer at BoyleSports will do nicely. As I've already mentioned, I'd rate Gaboriot the main danger as he is proven to handle the fences and will surely be more suited by this step up in trip than his conqueror in the Sefton, however there are other threats to the market leaders and one I was toying with backing - and probably will do if he drifts to a mad price - is Chambard for trainer in form Venetia Williams.
He was of course the winner of this race last season in a very impressive display, and while he proceeded to run like a drain the next thrice, Venetia is a serious 'strike while the iron is hot' kind of trainer and this lad typifies that. It is going to be a mudbath and I'd be surprised if there isn't money for a horse who won the race last season, has a decent racing weight and runs for a yard associated with this time of year and this type of ground, however I'd want something nearer 16/1 rather than the 10/1 I'm seeing now to play him each-way considering his blowout potential. He is also 12 now, but he was a trend buster to win at 11 last season so don't let that put you off!
Cruz Control has won here before for Tom Lacey, but I didn't like what i saw from him on reappearance this season at this track and although that may well have been a run to improve fitness, I couldn't be backing him at the current odds. Iron Bridge makes more appeal now stepping back up in trip and with proven form on heavy ground - and he of course runs in the colours synonymous with Aintree of the late Trevor Hemmings - but I don't fear him and feel we know the limit of his ability. Chianti Classico is going to have to be top class to win this off twelve stone, but I think he just might be.