December 09 / 14.05 Aintree

14.05

Soft

Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £84195
  • 3m 1f 188y
  • Class 1
  • 12 runners
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Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Rain

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £19.00
  • Place: £5.10

Form: PU44-2 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Won at Cheltenham Festival (3m2f, soft) in March 2022 and, after a patchy campaign last term, he returned to form when second of 16 at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) on last month's return; capable of another good run but this 11yo is inconsistent and needs a career-best on his Aintree debut if he's to win.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Chambard

10st 5lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

Won 2022 Kim Muir here (3m2f, soft) and produced career-best performance when scoring by 13l over the big Aintree fences last season (3m2f, heavy); badly out of form this term, though, and this new discipline needs to rekindle his enthusiasm; 6lb out of the handicap.

100/1

7th

1

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Chambard

12st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

towards rear, headway on outer after 10th, lost ground after 15th

25/1

7th

1

10th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

15:45 Plumpton

Chambard

12st 2lb

J: Miss Lucy Turner

T: Venetia Williams

towards rear, headway on outer after 10th, lost ground after 15th

25/1

OUR TIP

10/1

  • Place: £2.10

Form: 41P-31 D

Last run: 20 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 162

Form & Verdict
Has a very lofty mark to defy and Danny Gilligan's 5lb claim isn't new for him, as the rising star was on board when he won the Troytown at Navan (3m, soft to heavy) recently; however, that was a career-best from this 8yo and he's run well for a long way in the vanguard in each of the last two Grand Nationals, before fading over the 4m2f trip; could play a leading role.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

24

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Coko Beach

10st 9lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Gordon Elliott

Entered this race last year as one of the top weights and having been in career-best form, including at 3m2f over these fences; he duly came up with easily his closest finish here in three Grand Nationals but was beaten 33l even so; this season has continued well below form.

66/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 353P-2 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Third in the Grand Sefton (2m5f, good to soft) and this race (good to soft) last season, and he ran another cracker over these fences when second in last month's Grand Sefton (heavy); from out of the handicap he's 8lb higher than last time out but his proven ability on this course is a significant positive and the step back up in trip could also be a plus; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

22

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Percussion

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Will need to step up on his recent hunter chase efforts but he has form figures of 33237 in handicaps over the Grand National fences; a bold show would be no surprise.

20/1

15th

22

3rd Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 2

16:05 Aintree

Percussion

12st 0lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Will need to step up on his recent hunter chase efforts but he has form figures of 33237 in handicaps over the Grand National fences; a bold show would be no surprise.

20/1

3rd

8

3rd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:07 Southwell

Percussion

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Cherriman

T: L J Morgan

Close third in similar event at Ludlow (3m) last month; on a long losing spell but won his last two Southwell attempts (spring 2022) and is interesting back here.

4/1

Form: 3408-1 D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 6lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
11yo who was right back to his very best when easily winning a veterans' chase over the regulation fences here (3m1f, good to soft) on his reappearance; beaten 29l in the Topham (2m5f, soft) over these fences in April but he finished strongly for eighth and could go well over this longer trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

Form: 311-33 D

Last run: 46 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row earlier this year (3m1f/2m7f, good/soft) and he reappearance with a close third at Exeter (3m, good) in October; this 6yo could have more to offer but he's 6lb out of the handicap on this first run over the National fences, and that makes things tough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

6

23rd May 2026

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 2

16:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Lounge Lizard

10st 11lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Humphrey

Four-time chase winner at up to 3m1f; well handicapped on his Huntingdon win for Henry Daly last March but he's struggled since including in two runs for new yard this spring; ran well to a point at Ludlow last time but he was on the retreat when he fell and others preferred.

40/1

5

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

Lounge Lizard

11st 5lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Sarah Humphrey

Potentially well treated on old form but signed off for Henry Daly with his own ideas about the game and he made a quiet start for this yard at Huntingdon after wind surgery; risky.

16/1

5th

1

1st Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 3

14:45 Huntingdon

Lounge Lizard

12st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Sarah Humphrey

Comes with some risk, having proved recalcitrant in sole start this term (left Henry Daly and had wind surgery since); otherwise interesting back at Huntingdon, with record of 2-2 over fences here comprising wins in this contest for the last two years.

8/1

Form: 22PF-5

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
Hampered/fell at the second fence in the Grand National in April on sole run over these obstacles; he's 1lb lower than when a fine second in last season's Welsh National (3m6f, soft) and could improve for last month's reappearance fifth in the Badger Beer; cheekpieces (worn in the Welsh National) replace blinkers; possible contender if taking to the fences.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

The Big Breakaway

10st 2lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Syd Hosie

Smart in his prime but has not shown a great deal this season and was tailed off in C&D contest won by Final Orders last month; effectively 1lb higher today; difficult to enthuse over.

66/1

3rd

2

9th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 3

16:58 Warwick

The Big Breakaway

12st 0lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Anthony Charlton

Regular in marathon chases who bounced back to form when second of 14 in this headgear combination at Bangor (3m6f, soft; 40-1) last month; back up 5lb and despite some fine efforts he has gone 22 starts without a win since November 2020; others more solid.

11/2

2nd

1

7th Feb 2025

Soft

3m 5f 142y

Class 4

14:12 Bangor-on-Dee

The Big Breakaway

12st 0lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Anthony Charlton

Former Welsh National runner-up but rarely seems up for the challenge these days and was beaten a distance on his sole completion this season; new headgear provides some cause for optimism but far too risky to trust.

33/1

Form: /124/2 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 13lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 147

Form & Verdict
First run over these fences; runner-up in the 2021 Welsh National for Paul Nicholls and this 10yo returned from a very long absence with a creditable second of six on his stable debut at Kelso (3m2f, soft) in October; he's on a competitive mark on his old form and is not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

12th Mar 2024

Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:50 Cheltenham

Highland Hunter

11st 10lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Stout stayer who was runner-up in the 2021 Welsh National; off for 20 months after next outing but quickly found his form for new yard and he was the freshest horse in the race when galloping on relentlessly at Newbury (3m2f, heavy) ten days ago; however, a penalty takes him back to a career-high mark which will be hard to overcome at this level.

40/1

1st

1

2nd Mar 2024

Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

13:20 Newbury

Highland Hunter

12st 0lb

J: Mr Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Former Welsh National runner-up; has run well in both completed handicaps since joining this yard after an absence, last time hanging around in the attritional Grand National Trial at Haydock (3m4f, heavy); that was a hard race only two weeks ago but he's a player if fully recovered from those exertions.

7/2

4th

3

17th Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

15:15 Haydock

Highland Hunter

11st 10lb

J: Mr Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

taken down early

16/1

Form: P012-P D

Last run: 41 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on reappearance at Wincanton (bled from the nose) but he has a poor record when fresh and can be expected to leave that run well behind; fine second behind the well-handicapped Kitty's Light in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown (3m4f, good to soft) in April and he's also effective on soft going; this course should suit his prominent style; interesting contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

27th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 3

15:53 Newton Abbot

Moroder

11st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Seamus Mullins

Six-time chase winner who returned to form with a rallying second at Taunton (3m4f, good) last month; only 1lb higher here and has claims if he can build on that back in trip.

13/2

2nd

1

9th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 85y

Class 4

16:15 Taunton

Moroder

12st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Seamus Mullins

Six-time chase winner but now appears to be on the downgrade; pulled up when bidding to win the Grimthorpe at Doncaster for the third time in February and was tailed off at Ascot (2m5f, good) 11 days ago; can only be watched at present.

12/1

4th

1

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 5f 13y

Class 4

14:30 Ascot

Moroder

12st 0lb

J: James Best

T: Seamus Mullins

Ran no race in Doncaster's Grimthorpe last month (3m2f, soft; blinkers returned) and he had a good record in that race; did run quite well there the time before; unwise to focus too much on his reduced mark when clearly not the force of old, but he has returned to winning ways from out of the blue in the past, and he'll enjoy getting back on forecast good ground; earns respect.

12/1

Form: 123P-P CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in the Grand National in April and same story on reappearance at Wincanton four weeks ago; however, he may have needed that latest outing and is just 2lb higher than when winning this in good style 12 months ago (good to soft; has won on soft); has to be respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

8

26th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 2

13:50 Aintree

Ashtown Lad

10st 2lb

J: Charlie Maggs

T: David O’Meara

Following a 70-day break he exploited a much-reduced mark at Kelso (3m2f, good) three weeks ago on his fourth start for this yard; versatile ground-wise; from out of the handicap today he's running off 5lb higher than last time, in a much hotter race, but he remains very well treated on old form.

9/1

7th

10

27th Jul 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

15:07 Uttoxeter

Ashtown Lad

10st 8lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: David O’Meara

Lost his way for the Skeltons and troubles have continued for his new yard; did endure a slipping saddle here last time but now into the twilight of his career.

50/1

15

29th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 13y

Class 2

14:00 Uttoxeter

Ashtown Lad

10st 2lb

J: Lewis Saunders

T: David O’Meara

Lost his way for the Skeltons and troubles continued when tailed off at Stratford last month; limited appeal from 9lb out of the weights.

33/1

Form: 5P22-0

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Better than ever when runner-up on final two starts last season (3m4f, good to soft/soft) and he may have needed his reappearance run at Haydock (tailed off); however, he usually goes well fresh and this 9yo will need to bounce back with a career-best performance if he's to make an impact here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

23rd Feb 2024

Soft

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Sidi Ismael

12st 0lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

10yo who is having a substandard campaign, but last month's fifth at Plumpton was a step back in the right direction and he's well handicapped on last season's marathon chase form (including on soft); not ruled out.

14/1

5th

2

7th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

14:50 Plumpton

Sidi Ismael

11st 9lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

Well-held fifth in this last year off 2lb higher; ended that campaign well with two seconds over 3m4f and a blind eye could be turned to this season's no-shows for one reason or another (lost his action last time).

40/1

Form: U2P-P3 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
2lb out of the handicap and he's inconsistent; however, he returned to form with a good third of 16 at Cheltenham (3m1f, soft) three weeks ago and his trainer knows what it takes in this race, having won it a record six times; no surprise if this 7yo is in the mix on his Aintree debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Undersupervision

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Very well handicapped on old form but has been pulled up on six of his eight starts over the last two years, most recently in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won in 2022); sports first-time tongue-tie and swaps visor for refitted cheekpieces here; revival needed.

33/1

1

16th Apr 2025

Good

3m 4f 21y

Class 3

15:15 Cheltenham

Undersupervision

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Very well handicapped on old form but has been pulled up on six of his eight starts over the last two years, most recently in last month's Grimthorpe at Doncaster (a race he won in 2022); sports first-time tongue-tie and swaps visor for refitted cheekpieces here; revival needed.

33/1

10

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Undersupervision

10st 9lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Failed to complete far too often for comfort and soundly beaten when he did get round in a first-time visor (replacing usual cheekpieces) at Ludlow in December when last seen; the big positives are that he won this race in 2022 and was beaten a neck in it in 2023, but last year's performance in the Grimthorpe was poor; down to his lowest mark as a chaser.

16/1

Form: 32P0-1

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Returned to form and exploited a much lower hurdle mark on recent reappearance at Navan (2m6f, soft to heavy); he's a three-time chase winner and the stable's horses tend to jump these fences well, but this 9yo is 8lb out of the handicap and will need a clear career-best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

22nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 4f 165y

20:00 Downpatrick

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr S Connor

T: S R B Crawford

Has won three over hurdles and fences; ran well at times in defeat in points and hunter chases last season but has to do much better today.

12/1

4

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: S R B Crawford

prominent behind clear leader

20/1

4

2nd May 2025

Yielding

3m 0f 160y

16:15 Punchestown

Dorking Cock

12st 0lb

J: Mr D McGill

T: S R B Crawford

prominent behind clear leader

20/1

Non-runners

Minella Trump, Now Where Or When

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £149.40
Straight Forecast £127.27
Tricast £744.62
Trifecta £1119.40

Selections

Daily Mail:

Percussion

RP RATINGS:

The Big Breakaway

The Times:

Highland Hunter

D Express:

Lounge Lizard

The Guardian:

Now Where Or When

Telegraph:

Ashtown Lad

POSTDATA:

Coko Beach

SPOTLIGHT:

Moroder

Daily Mirror:

Percussion

The Sun:

Percussion

The Star:

Percussion

TOPSPEED:

The Big Breakaway

WEST COUNTRY:

The Big Breakaway

Daily Record:

Highland Hunter