Stable confidence behind heavily backed Blaklion's Becher chance

Nigel Twiston-Davies believes Grand National fourth Blaklion has a great chance in Saturday's Randox Health Becher Chase, for which he has been heavily backed already and is the 11-4 favourite with Aintree's betting partner Betway.

The eight-year-old ran stablemate Bristol De Mai to half a length in Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase on his return and remains on a mark of 153, while the winner, who conceded only 6lb, has been raised to 173 following his runaway success in the Betfair Chase.

Blaklion is already favourite at no better than 20-1 to give Twiston-Davies a third success in the big race next April.

Twiston-Davies, who will also be well represented in the shorter 188bet Grand Sefton Chase and has a fancied runner for the Grade 2 run in memory of last year's winner Many Clouds, said: "Blaklion's form at Wetherby looks good and with a clear run on Saturday I'll be very excited. The handicapper hasn't been too hard on him and everything looks perfect. He's a worthy favourite."

Reflecting on April's fourth to One For Arthur, where he faded after looking much the likeliest winner, the trainer said: "He's not very big, but nor was Red Rum, and you couldn't fault the way he jumped the fences.

"He possibly went too soon and didn't quite get home. I'd imagine we'll hold on to him a bit longer this time. I think riding him with more restraint is key."

Twiston-Davies intends running both Ballybolley, the horse who brought Bristol De Mai's owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede to the stable, and Arctic Gold in the Grand Sefton and believes both have live chances.

Blaklion (left), ridden his lass Fay Shulton, with Bristol De Mai and head lad Richard 'Sparky' BevisCredit: JOHN GROSSICK (racingpost.com/photos)

He said: "Ballybolley is a lovely horse who jumps well. He's always in a hurry and it will be exciting to watch him as he's very free going, but I like his chance.

"Arctic Gold is also a very good jumper. He hasn't done as much yet as Ballybolley, but he's a nice horse."

Flying Angel, a Grade 1 winner from Cloudy Dreams at Aintree in April, steps up to three miles and a furlong for the first time in the Many Clouds Chase.

Twiston-Davies said: "He was disappointing first time out but ran much better when fourth to Top Notch at Ascot.

"It will be his first time at three-miles plus, but I think he's crying out for it. It's all about dreams but he could be our next Bristol De Mai. He's pretty smart on his day."

Saturday's Aintree card

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