Becher Chase trip a mile too short for National hero One For Arthur says Russell

Lucinda Russell is concerned the Becher Chase trip will be on the short side for One For Arthur when the Grand National hero returns to Aintree on Saturday.

Victorious in the 2017 National when only the second Scottish-trained winner, One For Arthur finished a gallant sixth behind Tiger Roll last season following an interrupted prep, during which he unseated on his only two starts.

The ten-year-old is a 9-1 chance with Ladbrokes and Betfred for the Randox Health-sponsored Grade 3 handicap over three and a quarter mile, which is run over roughly a mile shorter than the National.

Becher Chase card

"He schooled this morning and jumped really well and we're looking forward to Saturday," the trainer said on Wednesday. "He loves the National fences but I think the trip is a mile too short for him and any more rain would help bring his stamina into play."

Russell has enjoyed a much smoother run with One For Arthur, who was fourth on his comeback at Kelso in October.

"We've had a much easier time with him than last year," she said. "I was happy with his comeback at Kelso and he's still very lightly raced, having had that year off after winning the National through injury."

Definitly Red has a choice of options at Aintree with trainer Brian Ellison yet to commit to either the Becher or a potential hat-trick bid in the Virgin Bet Price Boosts Many Clouds Chase.

"No decision has been made yet but the Grand National is the main aim for the season," said the trainer. "If he goes for the Becher, Henry Brooke will ride as Danny Cook is booked for Vintage Clouds."

General 7-1 favourite Mulcahys Hill is set to tackle the National fences for the first time after winning on his comeback at Cheltenham in October.

Trainer Warren Greatrex said on Wednesday: "Adrian Heskin is going to give him a pop over an Aintree-style fence tomorrow morning and if all goes to plan, he'll take his chance in the Becher.

"He won well first time and the form of that has worked out well. He’s fresh, and I think that's when he's at his best, and he's more unexposed than plenty of the others."

The ground on the National course was described as soft, good to soft in places on Wednesday afternoon. The Mildmay course was good to soft, with the chase track good in places.

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