Becher Chase: Minellacelebration fancied to tee up owner's Grand National dream

1.30 Aintree
William Hill Becher Handicap Chase (Grade 3) | 3m2f | 6yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Twelve months ago Katy Price was a nervous wreck before Minellacelebration's first attempt over the Grand National fences in the Becher Chase.

This time she is far more relaxed and full of hope that a strong showing will result in her stable star making the line-up for the world's most famous race in April.

"I felt the pressure last year," Price said. "He's my favourite and it was a huge relief to see him complete. Now I know he can jump round there I won't be so nervous."

Minellacelebration is unfortunate not to be unbeaten in his last three starts having undergone wind surgery at the beginning of this year.

After being caught in the final stride at Doncaster in February, he won the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter prior to producing a career-best when slamming Pobbles Bay by 14 lengths over Aintree's Mildmay course in October.

Saturday tips from our experts:

Tom Segal with his best bets for the high-quality cards at Aintree and Sandown (Members' Club subscribers)

'He has a superb record here' – Graeme Rodway with a strong fancy at Sandown (Members' Club subscribers)

The Punt Daily: Tom Collins' free horse racing tips on Saturday afternoon

Saturday's free racing tips: insight from Racing Post's team of experts

Price added: "His homework suggests that small wind op is still working well. He's off a career-high 152 now and we did consider the Many Clouds Chase for him.

"Minellacelebration's owner Nick Elliott is 76 now, and it's every owner and trainer's dream to have a horse run in the National.

"His rider Ben Poste, who gets on so well with him, is excited too. He can't wait for Saturday."

Minellacelebration: the stable flagbearer fuelling dreams of National glory

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Yala Enki
Yala Enki put up a career-best performance at Cheltenham last time. He's got a big weight, but the more rain the better for him. If he enjoys it round there he'll go for the Grand National.

Venetia Williams, trainer of Aso
It's a step into the unknown. I'm hopeful he'll take to the fences. He's got plenty of weight over the extended distance, but I hope he gives a good account.

David Pipe, trainer of Ramses De Teillee and Vieux Lion Rouge
Ramses De Teillee is in great form after his great run at Cheltenham. It'll be interesting to see what he's like over those fences this time. One of the reins broke when he made a mistake at the Canal Turn in the 2019 Grand National. He'll love the ground and, if he gets into a nice rhythm, has a good chance. Vieux Lion Rouge loves it round there. Soft ground suits him and he’s dropped in the weights. It would be no surprise if he ran well.

Robert Walford, trainer of Walk In The Mill
He's in good form and the ground will suit. It's a hot-looking race, probably harder than last year. He's got more weight than in previous years but the course really suits him.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Calett Mad
He has been off for a long time but he's come back fresh and well. He's got some good form and I think he'll take to the fences.

Alex Hales, trainer of Smooth Stepper
I think he has every chance. The ground is coming in his favour and this has been the plan for a while. He ran a very good prep race at Sandown and I've always had it in mind that the Becher would suit him.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Calipso Collonges
This has been on the agenda for a long time. The plan was to get a prep run into him but I couldn't. Usually he comes on for a run but he's in good form and, touch wood, he's a sound jumper, plus he loves heavy ground. If he gets into a rhythm he might run well at a big price.

Saturday's previews:

Altior absence leaves Tingle Creek at the mercy of Paul Nicholls-trained pair

Will the Grand National fences reignite the spark in mercurial Might Bite? (Members' Club subscribers)

'His first-time-out record is 1111' - Mark Howard fancies an Aintree contender (Members' Club subscribers)

Class counts: how the Becher Chase is copying its older cousin (Members' Club subscribers)

'A proper race' – buckle up for a fast and furious Henry VIII Novices' Chase

'I know the Tizzards are very happy with him' – Native River returns in hot race

Can 'devastating' Cloudy Glen be tamed in his bid for another National of sorts?

Grand Sefton: betting insight and trainer quotes for Aintree's closing handicap

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