Two-pronged attack the way to go in Becher

THE fences may be a lot smaller than in years gone by, but there’s still nothing quite like the sight of a big field hurtling over the Grand National fences and today’s Betfred Becher Chase (1.35) is a quality renewal featuring last year’s National runner-up The Last Samuri.

Although not always convincing at his fences in the big one, The Last Samuri travelled powerfully throughout and had the race been much shorter he’d probably have won with something to spare, so the extra 10lb he has on his rating need not stop him.

However, my two-pronged assault is going to feature a youngster yet to face up to the unique challenge Aintree provides – hardly a fit for the trends boys – and a veteran who may be in his last season.