JOHN Francome had it right in my book. “Make the Aintree fences bigger, not smaller. It will make the jockeys and horses slow down.” Francome was derided for his contrary viewpoint back in April amid the blizzard of animal welfare support, but he had a salient point. Saturday’s Becher Chase was an underwhelming spectacle. I …[Read More]
06
Dec 2013
Saturday selections: Midnight has plenty of Appeal
JUMPING will be the name of the game over the big fences at Aintree on Saturday with both the Becher Chase and the Grand Sefton over the shorter trip. The standout bet is in the latter race where MIDNIGHT APPEAL could be just the type for Liverpool. Wayne Hutchinson got a lovely tune out of …[Read More]
04
Dec 2012
Ante-Post Focus: The Becher Chase
THE Becher Chase over Aintree’s big fences has become a reliable trial for the Grand National itself. The 3m 2f contest is usually run on soft ground, which places a real emphasis on stamina. No more is the phrase “horses for courses” more meaningful than at Aintree and of the 23 entered in this year’s …[Read More]
