Last Ran: 23rd November 2008

Mr Pointment, trained by Paul Nicholls goes to post in the 2008 totesport.com Becher Handicap Chase in an attempt to make it a win here for the second year running. To win here last year was a remarkable acheivement when you consider it was only his fifth race over fences. He last run in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow in October but put in a disappointing show although the outing will have benefitted, connections will be hoping for a return to form, his trainer has a great record in this race and support continues to be strong.

Nicholls also lines up Gungadu who could well challenge for favourite here, he won the Racing Post Chase in February this year, he is usually in the mix although can sometimes throw in a disappointing run. Another worry is that Aintree has not been good to him, he has had two outings here and has failed to produce anything special at this track. His last run at Ascot saw him deliver a great run so he could well be the one of Nicholls to go for.

Idle Talk trained by D McCain Jnr came home fourteenth in the Grand National back in April, and second last time out at the begining of the month at Carlisle where he looked very well. A much improved jumper but may lack in stamina.

Parsons Legacy arrives to take his Aintree debut, his jumping ability up to press has been second to none. Last seen in October at Cheltenham where he was first home, looking fresh and well. He does like good ground and if he gets his way he could well challenge.

Others include Himalayan Trail trained by James Mangan who has high hopes for a good run and could be a good each way bet and Faasel trained by Nicky Richards who took a win last time out earlier this month at Carlisle.

Irish entries include Southern Vic, A New Story trained by Michael Hourigan, third in the Cork Grand National at the begining of this month and Mouse Morris's Hear The Echo the Irish National winner.