Bewley primed for big-race ride on 'very special' Sounds Russian in Many Clouds

Callum Bewley is relishing the chance to take on top-class opposition in Saturday's Boylesports Many Clouds Chase (1.30), with his mount Sounds Russian attempting Graded company for the first time.

The Ruth Jefferson-trained seven-year-old continued his ascent up the handicapping ranks with a deeply impressive win at Kelso in October and his rider is unsure how far he could.

He said: "He's a very special horse and it's very exciting. He's young and progressive – you don't know what he could end up being."

Callum Bewley: looking forward to a big-race ride at AintreeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Sounds Russian will take on five rivals in the staying contest, including Grand National winner Noble Yeats and dual Grade 1 scorer Ahoy Senor, and his rider thinks conditions will be ideal.

"It's perfect for him," he said of the 11-2 joint-second favourite. "He impressed me at Kelso because it was a very competitive race and he did it easily, so he deserves to dip his toe into something deeper now.

"He's got a great attitude and he just wants to get on with things. He's starting to relax and his jumping is improving, so I think he'll run a big race. Hopefully we can get a big winner on a Saturday."

Course winners Chantry House, Sam Brown and Dashel Drasher are also in the mix for the contest, which was won by recent Betfair Chase winner Protektorat last year.

Boylesports Many Clouds Chase (1.30 Aintree, Saturday)

Paddy Power: Evens Ahoy Senor, 11-2 Sounds Russian, Chantry House, 6 Noble Yeats, 8 Sam Brown, 14 Dashel Drasher

Leopardess back for more in Becher

A field of 23 is set to go to post for the Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase (2.05), including Snow Leopardess and Hill Sixteen, who fought out a memorable finish 12 months ago.

Dan Skelton has enjoyed feature-race wins for the last two weekends and will be hoping his Ashtown Lad can continue the yard's hot streak.

Snow Leopardess (near): will take on Hill Sixteen (far) again in the Becher ChaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Willie Mullins sends over Captain Kangaroo and Recite A Prayer, while the staying-on Grand Sefton second Gesskille will line up for Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.

Two winners of what is now the Coral Gold Cup have been declared in De Rasher Counter and Cloth Cap, while others to note include Five Star Getaway, The Wolf and Enqarde.

Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase (2.05 Aintree, Saturday)

Paddy Power: 4 Ashtown Lad, Gesskille, 9 Captain Kangaroo, 10 Hill Sixteen, 11 Five Star Getaway, 12 Snow Leopardess, The Wolf, 14 De Rasher Counter, Fantastikas, 16 bar

Boylesports Many Clouds Chase

Chantry HouseJames Bowen
Noble YeatsSean Bowen
Sam BrownRichie McLernon
Ahoy SenorDerek Fox
Dashel DrasherRex Dingle
Sounds RussianCallum Bewley

Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase

De Rasher CounterTom Bellamy
Francky Du BerlaisJames Bowen
Snow LeopardessBrian Hughes
Hill SixteenRyan Mania
FortescueHugh Nugent (3)
Recite A PrayerBrian Hayes
The Jam ManGavin Brouder (3)
FantastikasSam Twiston-Davies
Cloth CapRichie McLernon
Dr KanangaBen Jones
Ashtown LadHarry Skelton
The WolfAdrian Heskin
GesskilleHenry Brooke
Rapid FlightDanny McMenamin
FaganDerek Fox
Captain KangarooJack Foley (3)
EnqardeCharlie Hammond
Domaine De L'IsleKevin Sexton
Five Star GetawayJack Tudor
Now Where Or WhenSam Ewing
PercussionGavin Sheehan
Didero VallisLucy Turner (5)
Minella BoboSean Bowen

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