Alpha Des Obeaux and Ballyoptic head the weights on 11st 12lb, details of which are revealed today, for the £150,000 G3 Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase (59 entries) over the Grand National fences at Aintree on Saturday, 7 December, Becher Chase Day.
Alpha Des Obeaux, one of four entries for Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, finished third in the G1 Champion Chase at Down Royal on 2 November, while Ballyoptic captured the G2 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on the same afternoon. Ballyoptic is expected to run this weekend in the G1 Betfair Chase at Haydock Park.
Vic Venturi in 2009 was last top-weight to win Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase.
Elliott has also engaged Galway Plate victor Borice (11st), 2018 Irish Grand National hero General Principle (10st 10lb) and Out Sam (10st 7lb), the winner of last season’s Cork Grand National.
Ballyoptic’s trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies is the most successful handler in Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase with six victories and the Gloucestershire handler is also responsible for Scottish Grand National fourth Blue Flight (11st 3lb).
Ante-post favourite Give Me A Copper, who headlines four entries for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, has been allotted 11st 1lb on the back of his victory in the Listed Badger Beers Silver Trophy Handicap Chase at Wincanton.
A handful of entries have already excelled over the Grand National fences, none more so than 2017 Randox Health Grand National victor One For Arthur (Lucinda Russell, 11st 2lb), the first Scottish-trained winner of the world’s greatest chase since Rubstic in 1979.
Having missed the 2018 Randox Health Grand National due to injury, One For Arthur finished sixth in this year’s renewal. The 10-year-old began the current campaign with a fourth behind Mysteree (Michael Scudamore, 10st 5lb) in a handicap chase at Kelso on 26 October.
Russell said: “One For Arthur is in good shape and the plan is the Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase.
“He ran a really good race at Kelso on his return to action. We were delighted with the performance.
“The Becher was always going to be his next target and we are looking forward to taking him back to Aintree.”
One For Arthur
Last year’s Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase victor Walk In The Mill (Robert Walford, 10st 8lb), who went on to finish fourth in the Randox Health Grand National, is one of two former winners among the entries alongside the 2016 victor Vieux Lion Rouge (David Pipe, 10st 12lb).
Robert Walford said: “Walk In The Mill has come out of his reappearance at Wincanton fine [when PU in Badger Beers Silver Trophy Handicap Chase].
“We are happy with him at home and the plan now to hopefully head back to Aintree for the Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase.”
Walk In The Mill (nearside)
The seven Irish-trained entries also feature the Willie Mullins-trained Pleasant Company (11st 7lb), who was a fast-finishing second to Tiger Roll in the 2018 Randox Health Grand National.
Owner Trevor Hemmings has an excellent record over the Grand National fences. His four entries include Vintage Clouds (Sue Smith, 10st 12lb) and Lake View Lad (Nick Alexander, 11st 9lb), who finished second and third in the G3 Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, as well as Burtons Well (Venetia Williams, 10st 5lb), the winner of a veterans’ handicap chase at Aintree on 26 October.
Other notable contenders include G2 National Hunt Chase scorer Le Breuil (Ben Pauling, 11st 3lb), fellow second season chaser Top Ville Ben (Phil Kirby, 11st 4lb) and promising novice Mulcahys Hill (Warren Greatrex, 10st 11lb).
O O Seven tops weights for £80,000 Virgin Bet Grand Sefton Handicap Chase
O O Seven has been handed top-weight of 11st 12lb for the other race over the Grand National fences on Becher Chase Day, the £80,000 Virgin Bet Grand Sefton Handicap Chase over two miles and five furlongs.
O O Seven, one of five entries for trainer Nicky Henderson, has not raced since landing a valuable grade A handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival in early May.
Henderson’s strong team also features progressive mare Casablanca Mix (11st 11lb), who has won her two latest starts including the Listed Summer Plate Handicap Chase at Market Rasen.
Leading ante-post fancy Call It Magic (Ross O’Sullivan), one of four Irish-trained contenders, has been given 10st 6lb, while the sole French-trained contender It’s Jennifer (Louisa Carberry) has been allotted 10st 1lb.
As De Mee (Paul Nicholls, 11st 1lb) captured the Virgin Bet Grand Sefton Handicap Chase in 2016 and the nine-year-old could bid to become the first multiple winner of the race.
The Randox Health Becher Chase
Grade 3 handicap chase, £150,000 total prize fund. Three miles two furlongs (Grand National fences), 1.30pm, Saturday, 7 December. For six-year-olds and upwards. Penalties: after November 17, a winner of a chase 3lb; no penalty to increase a horse above 11st 12lb. Entries closed November 12 (59 entries), five-day confirmations December 2, final declarations December 5. Maximum field of 30 plus two reserves.
|
Horse |
Age |
Wgt |
Owner |
Trainer |
|
Alpha des Obeaux (FR) |
9 |
11-12 |
Gigginstown House Stud |
Gordon Elliott IRE |
|
Ballyoptic (IRE) |
9 |
11-12 |
Mills & Mason Partnership |
Nigel Twiston-Davies |
|
Definitly Red (IRE) |
10 |
11-10 |
Phil & Julie Martin |
Brian Ellison |
|
Lake View Lad (IRE) |
9 |
11-09 |
Trevor Hemmings |
Nick Alexander |
|
Pleasant Company (IRE) |
11 |
11-07 |
Malcolm C Denmark |
Willie Mullins IRE |
|
Double Shuffle (IRE) |
9 |
11-07 |
Crossed Fingers Partnership |
Tom George |
|
Top Ville Ben (IRE) |
7 |
11-04 |
Harbour Rose Partnership |
Philip Kirby |
|
Le Breuil (FR) |
7 |
11-03 |
Emma Palmer |
Ben Pauling |
|
Blue Flight (FR) |
6 |
11-03 |
J Fyffe |
Nigel Twiston-Davies |
|
One For Arthur (IRE) |
10 |
11-02 |
Two Golf Widows |
Lucinda Russell |
|
Give Me A Copper (IRE) |
9 |
11-01 |
Done, Ferguson, Mason, Nicholls & Wood |
Paul Nicholls |
|
Borice (FR) |
8 |
11-00 |
Simon Munir/Isaac Souede |
Gordon Elliott IRE |
|
Royal Vacation (IRE) |
9 |
11-00 |
Jean Bishop |
Colin Tizzard |
|
Crosspark |
9 |
10-13 |
C W Booth |
Caroline Bailey |
|
Keeper Hill (IRE) |
8 |
10-13 |
McNeill Family |
Warren Greatrex |
|
Dingo Dollar (IRE) |
7 |
10-13 |
M Warren J Holmes R Kidner & J Wright |
Alan King |
|
Vintage Clouds (IRE) |
9 |
10-12 |
Trevor Hemmings |
Sue Smith |
|
Vieux Lion Rouge (FR) |
10 |
10-12 |
Prof Caroline Tisdall & John Gent |
David Pipe |
|
Rocky's Treasure (IRE) |
8 |
10-12 |
J Perriss |
Kim Bailey |
|
Mulcahys Hill (IRE) |
7 |
10-11 |
McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd |
Warren Greatrex |
|
As de Mee (FR) |
9 |
10-11 |
The Stewart Family & Judi Dench |
Paul Nicholls |
|
Regal Encore (IRE) |
11 |
10-10 |
J P McManus |
Anthony Honeyball |
|
General Principle (IRE) |
10 |
10-10 |
Gigginstown House Stud |
Gordon Elliott IRE |
|
Captain Redbeard (IRE) |
10 |
10-09 |
S Coltherd |
Stuart Coltherd |
|
Abolitionist (IRE) |
11 |
10-09 |
M Albon, J A Provan & C E Stedman |
Dr Richard Newland |
|
Singlefarmpayment |
9 |
10-09 |
N T Griffith & H M Haddock |
Tom George |
|
Walk In The Mill (FR) |
9 |
10-08 |
Baroness Harding |
Robert Walford |
|
Ami Desbois (FR) |
9 |
10-08 |
The Reserved Judgment Partnership |
Graeme McPherson |
|
Dragon d'Estruval (FR) |
6 |
10-08 |
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede |
Nicky Henderson |
|
Thomas Patrick (IRE) |
7 |
10-07 |
David Kellett |
Tom Lacey |
|
Out Sam |
10 |
10-07 |
D Charlesworth |
Gordon Elliott IRE |
|
I Just Know (IRE) |
9 |
10-07 |
C M Scholey |
Sue Smith |
|
Rolling Dylan (IRE) |
8 |
10-07 |
Miss I D Du Pre |
Philip Hobbs |
|
Minellacelebration (IRE) |
9 |
10-06 |
Nick Elliott |
Katy Price |
|
Touch Kick (IRE) |
8 |
10-06 |
Trevor Hemmings |
Paul Nicholls |
|
Wandrin Star (IRE) |
8 |
10-06 |
Mrs Penny Perriss |
Kim Bailey |
|
Like The Sound (FR) |
8 |
10-06 |
STG Racing Partnership |
Charlie Mann |
|
Impulsive Star (IRE) |
9 |
10-06 |
Robert Waley-Cohen & Men Holding |
Neil Mulholland |
|
Ballydine (IRE) |
9 |
10-06 |
Alan Halsall |
Charlie Longsdon |
|
Mysteree (IRE) |
11 |
10-05 |
Lynne Maclennan |
Michael Scudamore |
|
Fact of The Matter (IRE) |
9 |
10-05 |
The Sandylini Racing Partnership |
Jamie Snowden |
|
Sharp Response (IRE) |
8 |
10-05 |
Formulated Polymer Products Ltd |
Sue Smith |
|
Burtons Well (IRE) |
10 |
10-05 |
Trevor Hemmings |
Venetia Williams |
|
Sametegal (FR) |
10 |
10-04 |
John & Barbara Cotton |
Paul Nicholls |
|
Kimberlite Candy (IRE) |
7 |
10-04 |
J P McManus |
Tom Lacey |
|
Amalfi Doug (FR) |
9 |
10-03 |
The County Set (Seven) & Partner |
Keith Dalgleish |
|
Call It Magic (IRE) |
9 |
10-02 |
Mrs Z Wentworth |
Ross O'Sullivan IRE |
|
Relentless Dreamer (IRE) |
10 |
10-02 |
Nigel Morris |
Rebecca Curtis |
|
Commodore (FR) |
7 |
10-02 |
Mrs C Watson & Mrs S Graham |
Venetia Williams |
|
Milansbar (IRE) |
12 |
10-01 |
Robert Bothway |
Neil King |
|
Hogan's Height (IRE) |
8 |
10-01 |
Foxtrot Racing: Hogan's Height |
Jamie Snowden |
|
Late Romantic (IRE) |
9 |
9-11 |
Spitalized Racing |
Oliver Greenall |
|
Get On The Yager |
9 |
9-11 |
Dick and Mandy Higgins |
Dan Skelton |
|
Rathlin Rose (IRE) |
11 |
9-10 |
Fergus Wilson |
David Pipe |
|
Regal Flow |
12 |
9-08 |
Mrs C J Dunn |
Bob Buckler |
|
Lord Bryan (IRE) |
8 |
9-07 |
Jayne Brace & Gwyn Brace |
Peter Bowen |
|
Gold Opera (IRE) |
10 |
9-06 |
Straightline Bloodstock |
Keith Dalgleish |
|
Federici |
10 |
9-05 |
M Four Properties Ltd |
Donald McCain |
|
Heist (IRE) |
9 |
9-04 |
Griffin Plus One Partnership |
Patrick Griffin IRE |
59 entries
7 Irish-trained
The Virgin Bet Grand Sefton Handicap Chase
Class 2 handicap chase, £80,000 total prize fund. Two miles and five furlongs (Grand National fences), 3.15pm, Saturday, 7 December. For six-year-olds and upwards. Penalties: after November 17, a winner of a chase 3lb; no penalty to increase a horse above 11st 12lb. Entries closed November 12 (39 entries), five-day confirmations December 2, final declarations December 6. Maximum field of 30.
|
Horse |
Age |
Wgt |
Owner |
Trainer |
|
O O Seven (IRE) |
9 |
11-12 |
Christopher Hanbury |
Nicky Henderson |
|
Casablanca Mix (FR) |
7 |
11-11 |
E R Hanbury |
Nicky Henderson |
|
Pleasant Company (IRE) |
11 |
11-11 |
Malcolm C Denmark |
Willie Mullins IRE |
|
San Benedeto (FR) |
8 |
11-09 |
P J Vogt |
Paul Nicholls |
|
Gold Present (IRE) |
9 |
11-09 |
John & Barbara Cotton |
Nicky Henderson |
|
Top Ville Ben (IRE) |
7 |
11-08 |
Harbour Rose Partnership |
Philip Kirby |
|
Bun Doran (IRE) |
8 |
11-07 |
Crossed Fingers Partnership |
Tom George |
|
Keeper Hill (IRE) |
8 |
11-03 |
McNeill Family |
Warren Greatrex |
|
Bigmartre (FR) |
8 |
11-02 |
P J Dixon & C Nash |
Harry Whittington |
|
As de Mee (FR) |
9 |
11-01 |
The Stewart Family & Judi Dench |
Paul Nicholls |
|
Mercian Prince (IRE) |
8 |
11-01 |
Paul Murphy |
Amy Murphy |
|
Captain Redbeard (IRE) |
10 |
10-13 |
S Coltherd |
Stuart Coltherd |
|
Ultragold (FR) |
11 |
10-13 |
Brocade Racing J P Romans Terry Warner |
Colin Tizzard |
|
Princeton Royale (IRE) |
10 |
10-13 |
D Nott, P Beadles, R Clarke |
Neil King |
|
Dragon d'Estruval (FR) |
6 |
10-12 |
Simon Munir & Isaac Souede |
Nicky Henderson |
|
Flying Angel (IRE) |
8 |
10-11 |
R J Rexton |
Nigel Twiston-Davies |
|
Touch Kick (IRE) |
8 |
10-10 |
Trevor Hemmings |
Paul Nicholls |
|
Doitforthevillage (IRE) |
10 |
10-08 |
The Rockbourne Partnership |
Paul Henderson |
|
Killaro Boy (IRE) |
10 |
10-08 |
H & H Partnership |
Henry Oliver |
|
Ballyhill (FR) |
8 |
10-08 |
S Such & CG Paletta |
Nigel Twiston-Davies |
|
Sametegal (FR) |
10 |
10-08 |
John & Barbara Cotton |
Paul Nicholls |
|
Kimberlite Candy (IRE) |
7 |
10-08 |
J P McManus |
Tom Lacey |
|
Amalfi Doug (FR) |
9 |
10-07 |
The County Set (Seven) & Partner |
Keith Dalgleish |
|
Call It Magic (IRE) |
9 |
10-06 |
Mrs Z Wentworth |
Ross O'Sullivan IRE |
|
Tea For Two |
10 |
10-06 |
Jane Williams & Len Jakeman |
Jane Williams |
|
Kayf Adventure |
8 |
10-06 |
Louisville Syndicate |
Philip Hobbs |
|
Divine Spear (IRE) |
8 |
10-06 |
Middleham Park Racing LXII |
Nicky Henderson |
|
Didero Vallis (FR) |
6 |
10-05 |
Lady Bolton |
Venetia Williams |
|
Hogan's Height (IRE) |
8 |
10-05 |
Foxtrot Racing: Hogan's Height |
Jamie Snowden |
|
The Dubai Way (IRE) |
7 |
10-04 |
N W A Bannister |
Charlie Mann |
|
Gwencily Berbas (FR) |
8 |
10-04 |
Aidan J Ryan |
Eric McNamara IRE |
|
What A Moment (IRE) |
9 |
10-04 |
Bryan Drew & Steve Roper |
David Pipe |
|
Beau Bay (FR) |
8 |
10-03 |
Peter Green & Dr RDP Newland |
Dr Richard Newland |
|
It's Jennifer (FR) |
7 |
10-01 |
Tim Johnson |
Louisa Carberry FR |
|
Wishfull Dreaming |
8 |
9-12 |
J C England and Valerie Beattie |
Sam England |
|
Lord Bryan (IRE) |
8 |
9-11 |
Miss Jayne Brace & Gwyn Brace |
Peter Bowen |
|
Federici |
10 |
9-09 |
M Four Properties Ltd |
Donald McCain |
|
Heist (IRE) |
9 |
9-08 |
Griffin Plus One Partnership |
Patrick Griffin IRE |
|
Cusheen Bridge (IRE) |
11 |
8-13 |
Pete & Pauline Wordingham |
Charles Pogson |
39 entries
4 Irish-trained
1 French-trained
