Becher Chase and Grand Sefton Chase 2008
November 18th, 2008Sunday 23rd November sees the first appearance in the 08/09 season of the Grand National fences when those of us who love this sort of thing will be glued to the Becher Chase and the Grand Sefton and pressing record on the video!
I’ll be doing some close analysis of each of these races from Thursday onwards but this thread will allow us to discuss the possible runners etc before getting stuck into the individual trends of each race etc and their relevance (or not) to the National itself.
So…
Grand Sefton
The shorter of the two races and a cracking race in prospect if some of the following actually turn up:
Natal
Turpin Green
Gwanako
Regal Heights
Ponmeoath
Palarshan
Private Be
I Hear Thunder
and plenty of other potential top class runners.
I will need to study the race at some length but Regal Heights is immediately interesting but I’m just not sure about his jumping - any immediate thoughts from you guys?
Becher Chase
The longer race of the two is a reallly mouth watering propsect. Some of the proposed runners include:
Gungadu
Monkerhostin
Mr Pointment
Faasel
Hear The Echo
Always Waining
Parsons Legacy
Southern Vic
Himlayan Trail
Idle Talk
Irish Raptor
Philson Run
It would be like a mini National if that lot lined up and I’m very aware that ground is already listed as “SOFT” so horses like Parsons Legacy might be a doubt.
The one that jumps off the page at me is Southern Vic. I always really liked this horse and he was very highly thought of by the Walsh yard and they obviously know what is required round Aintree. He needs soft ground so if he were to travel over I would definitely be paying very close attention.
Plenty to get stuck into over the next few days - Lets get to work!
Daniel Says:
November 19th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Southern Vic jumped off the page for me as well.
I cant see him in any ante post lists for the national though. Can anybody else?
admin Says:
November 19th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hi Daniel,
No it doesn’t look like he’s quoted on the main lists. If he’s not on the Betfair list you could always contact them and ask them to add him - that way you could then ask for a price that you would be interested in.
I really liked the horse a couple of seasons ago but at a mark now of 143 he wouldn’t want to go up too much from there and I’d be very worried about the ground at Aintree for him in April. Connections have always been at pains to state he needs very soft ground and that must be a big doubt for the National.
Nevertheless a very interesting new recruit and one we will be looking at closely in the next few days for the race at the weekend, although I see he is also entered in Ireland.
Daniel Says:
November 19th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I didnt realise that betfair operated like that! I may well do that thanks Admin.
This early on, I dont really like to back anything under 100/1
Managed to back so far;
Parsons Legacy at 130 (laid off at 60)
Garde Champetre at 110 - laid off at 55
My Will at 330 - laid off at 140
Himalayan Trail at 65
Royal County Star at 140
Hopefully Himalayan Trail will run well at the weekend and then I can aly him off as well. If I do, I will be win win whoever wins come April already!
Daniel Says:
November 21st, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Himalayan Trail has come in by 20 points on betfair for the National this week, now trading at 30 (so ive laid him off)
People must be sure of a good run from him in the Becher this weekend. I quite fancy A New Story as the most likely winner of the Becher. 100/1 at the minute for the GN on betfair.
Jimmy Boy Says:
November 21st, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Will Himalayan Trail not just have a run out and potentially pull up to prevent his handicap mark for the National?
He does look a National type to be fair. Will be interesting watching him on Sunday
Daniel Says:
November 21st, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Now now, that would be in breach of the racing rules!!
But yes, I wouldnt think that was too unlikely!!
Jimmy Boy Says:
November 21st, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Well, we’ll see how he jumps round. We may be talking about him on here for a while after. Especially February and March
SILVER BIRCH Says:
November 21st, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Im hoping the trail finishes in the first 4 without winning . that would be a nice trial for aintree. southern vic looks the dark horse - still dont see it on betfair for the nat … very strange…ill try and drop them an email