Crosspark
Gloucestershire-based Nigel Twiston-Davies is the most successful trainer in the history of the William Hill Becher Handicap Chase since its establishment in 1992 with six victories - Indian Tonic (1993), Young Hustler (1995), Earth Summit (1998), Hello Bud (2010, 2012) and Blaklion (2017). He has three entries this year – the G2-placed Calett Mad plus Crievehill and The Hollow Ginge.
Another trainer to have enjoyed multiple success in the William Hill Becher Handicap Chase is Yorkshire-based Sue Smith, who was responsible for Kildimo (1992) and Ardent Scout (2002). Her possible starter in 2020 is Vintage Clouds, runner-up in the G3 Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2019.
The likely top-weight is the admirable Black Corton (Paul Nicholls), a G1 winner in 2017 and a good fourth under top-weight behind Regal Encore at Ascot last month. The 11-times champion Jump trainer could also rely on Yala Enki, winner of the G3 Grand National Trial at Haydock Park in 2018, as he chases a fourth William Hill Becher Handicap Chase success following Silver Birch (2004), Eurotrek (2006) and Mr Pointment (2007).
Other interesting contenders include The Conditional (David Bridgwater), winner of the G3 Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last season, recent impressive Aintree scorer Minellacelebration (Katy Price) and Le Breuil (Ben Pauling), who was successful in the G2 National Hunt Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham in 2019.
There are three Irish-trained contenders. Jett (Jessica Harrington) is a G2 winner while Gordon Elliott has made entries for Ravenhill, successful in last season’s G2 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, and Alpha des Obeaux, who was third behind Walk In The Mill last year.
William Hill Becher Handicap Chase, William Hill odds:
8/1 Kimberlite Candy
10/1 Yala Enki, The Conditional, Walk In The Mill
12/1 Black Corton, Minellacelebration, Cloth Cap, Calett Mad, Le Breuil, Crosspark, Alpha des Obeaux
14/1 Ramses de Teillee, Ravenhill, Give Me A Copper
16/1 Regal Encore, Fingerontheswitch, Hogan's Height, Blaklion
20/1 Bob Mahler, Vieux Lion Rouge, Singlefarmpayment, Vintage Clouds, Pobbles Bay, Smooth Stepper
25/1 Aso, Saint Xavier, Crievehill, Joe Farrell, Django Django, Dingo Dollar, The Hollow Ginge, Jett, Captain Chaos
33/1 Coo Star Sivola, Calipso Collonges, Double Shuffle
18+ Begambleaware.org. Prices correct as of 11am 11/11/20, subject to fluctuation.
The 2018 G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Might Bite (Nicky Henderson) is among 46 entries for the William Hill Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, which takes place over two miles and five furlongs of the Grand National course. The reigning champion trainer has four entries in total with another possible starter being Janika, who has been placed at G1 level and was fourth over the course in the 2019 Randox Health Topham Chase.
Modus (Paul Nicholls), who was impressive when winning a two and a half mile handicap chase over the Mildmay Course at Aintree on 7 November, is the 9/1 favourite with William Hill.
Mercian Prince (Amy Murphy) put up a good performance to win a handicap chase at Kempton Park on 9 November, jumping superbly to score by 12 lengths.
Newmarket-based Murphy is now eyeing a trip to Aintree for the nine-year-old, who is a 20/1 chance with William Hill.
Murphy said: “Mercian Prince has come out of his win at Kempton in great form.
“The Grand Sefton at Aintree is now probably the next target for him, all being well.
“He has obviously run in the race before (eighth in 2017), but we’re hopeful that he will really take to the fences as that seems to be his sort of trip.
“I was delighted with his win at Kempton. Jack [Quinlan] gave him a great ride and he stayed on strongly to score. The visor seemed to do the trick and his jumping was excellent.
“Hopefully, all being well, he can now go on to Aintree as it looks a good fit for him.”
William Hill Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, William Hill prices:
9/1 Modus
10/1 Huntsman Son, Janika
12/1 Lord du Mesnil, Ibleo
14/1 Traffic Fluide, Senior Citizen, Spiritofthegames, Hogan's Height, Delire d'Estruval, Brelan d'As, Sametegal
16/1 Might Bite, Not A Role Model, Casablanca Mix, San Benedeto, Springtown Lake, Glen Rocco, Didero Vallis, Drumconnor Lad
20/1 Bun Doran, Gold Present, Crievehill, Minella For Me, Mercian Prince, Burning Ambition, Caid du Lin, Annie Mc, Dingo Dollar, The West's Awake, Aso, Pink Eyed Pedro, Flying Angel
25/1 Touch Kick, Deauville Dancer, Beau Bay, Clan Legend, Amalfi Doug, Sir Jack Yeats
33/1 Federici, What A Moment, Ascot de Bruyere, Sub Lieutenant, Pinson du Rheu, Swift Crusador, Pookie Pekan
18+ Begambleaware.org. Prices correct as of 11am 11/11/20, subject to fluctuation.
About Aintree Racecourse / The Jockey Club
Aintree is home to The Randox Health Grand National, the most famous horse race in the world which is the climax to a three-day Festival meeting in April. The racecourse hosts five other fixtures and is a leading conference centre in the north west of England.
About The Jockey Club
Aintree is part of The Jockey Club which stages thrilling sporting occasions including The Randox Health Grand National, The Festival™ at Cheltenham and The Derby. Millions of people every year enjoy the special experiences The Jockey Club offers through racing, music, food and entertainment. Governed by Royal Charter, every penny made goes back into British Racing to help the sport thrive. The Jockey Club was founded in 1750 and today is the largest commercial group in Britain's second-biggest spectator sport, operating 15 racecourses nationwide, The National Stud, Jockey Club Estates, Jockey Club Catering, Jockey Club Live and the charity, Racing Welfare. For more information, visit www.thejockeyclub.co.uk
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