The Grand National fences make their first appearance of the season when a total of fifteen have been declared for the Betfred Becher Chase which is run over 3m 2f at Aintree. With soft ground forecast there shall be no hiding place for these stayers, and although the fences have been altered yet again, this will still be a spectacle not to be missed. The classiest horse in the race by far is the ex Nicky Henderson trained Mad Max, who is having his first run for young trainer Neil Mulholland. Reading through his form the selection has been tried in the very highest company over the years with his most recent defeats coming at the hands of Master Minded and Sizing Europe. Mad Max has never been tried over this distance but has always given the impression this could be right up his street, his jumping has always been impressive in the past but so it should for a horse of 17 hands! Boylesports are currently 25/1 the nine-year old which is a very handsome each way price indeed.
Of the remainder, the saying “horses for courses” is very apt around here, as Hello Bud and Always Waining have both been victorious over these unique fences over the past year and therefore cannot be discounted easily.
The Paul Nicholls trained Niche Market was fifth in this year’s Grand National behind Ballabriggs and he could well be worth an interest with the sponsors going 9/1.
By The Borderer.