Becher double on the agenda for Hughes
Tuesday November 17 2009
Dessie Hughes is hoping that Vic Venturi can give him back-to-back victories in the Becher Chase at Aintree on Sunday.
The Curragh trainer saddled Black Apalachi to run out a facile winner of this staying handicap over the Grand National fences last November.
And he feels Vic Venturi, a winner at Clonmel on his return last month, should be suited by such a test, as do the several bookmakers, who make him favourite at 7/1.
"I think we will run him in the Becher on Sunday. I think he's a National-type of horse so there's no harm in giving him a go round the track," said Hughes.
A total of 24 horses have been entered for the three-and-a-quarter-mile race and they include the 2007 Aintree Grand National hero Silver Birch, which was sixth to Garde Champetre in a cross country chase at Cheltenham last Friday.
Evan Williams is keeping his options open for State of Play, who was fourth to Mon Mome in this year's National.
"The Becher is an option for State Of Play at the moment. We also gave him an entry in the 'Fixed Brush' Handicap Hurdle and he's in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury as well," said the Llancarfan trainer.
Others in a fascinating entry include Topham Chase victor Irish Raptor and Scottish National winner Hello Bud, both trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, Companero, Idle Talk and Hoo La Baloo.
Meanwhile, Hughes is considering sending Hardy Eustace in search of a third win in the Coral Ascot Hurdle on Saturday if the ground is suitable.
The veteran, winner of the Champion Hurdle in 2004 and 2005, took the prize in 2006 and 2007.
He is among a 17-strong entry for the Grade Two heat over two miles, three and a half furlongs.
"He's a possibility if they don't get too much rain," said Hughes. "If it was too soft I wouldn't bring him. He's in very good form."
Katchit, the 2008 Champion Hurdle victor, holds an entry along with another Alan King charge, Karabak. The latter was second to Mikael D'Haguenet in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.
Along with Sentry Duty, Zaynar, winner of this year's Triumph Hurdle, is one of two entries from Nicky Henderson's yard and is the 5/2 favourite with the sponsors.
David Pipe is double-handed with Lough Derg and Mr Thriller, Noel Meade has three possibles in Aitmatov, Muirhead and Silverhand, while others in the list include Donald McCain's Whiteoak and the Charlie Mann-trained Wendel.
Classy
King's classy chaser Voy Por Ustedes is due to start his season off on the same card, in the Amlin 1965 Chase over two miles and three furlongs.
Voy Por Ustedes had most of his runs over this sort of trip last term, securing a second consecutive Melling Chase at Aintree in April.
He heads a quality entry of 17 and could meet some of his old adversaries, possibly including Monet's Garden, Schindlers Hunt and Gwanako.
There will be notable Irish interest across the pond this afternoon when Tom Taaffe makes a rare foray to lowly Fakenham by sending Stretch The Truth to run in the Prince of Wales Stand Novices' Handicap Hurdle.
Taaffe's five-year-old showed up well over two miles at Punchestown last month, finishing second to Takestan, and while he has gone up in the weights, the gelding looks to have enough pace to make his mark against these moderate rivals.
Unfortunately, Irish racing continues to be hit hard by the recent heavy rain. With Cork forced to abandon yesterday's rearranged meeting due to waterlogging, tomorrow's jumps fixture at Clonmel is now in doubt due to the weather.
The meeting, which should have taken place last Thursday and features the Clonmel Oil Chase, is subject to an 8.30am inspection today.
- Bobby Frankel, one of the most respected trainers in the history of American racing, has died in California after a lengthy illness. He was 68. Five-times champion trainer in America and holder of the world record for most Grade or Group One victories in a single season, Frankel associated with a succession of American champions, notably Breeders' Cup Classic winner Ghostzapper.
Totesport.com Becher Chase, sponsors bet: 7/1 Vic Venturi, 8/1 State Of Play, 9/1 Offshore Account, 10/1 Abbeybraney, Companero, Irish Raptor, Nozic, 11/1 Can't Buy Time, 12 A New Story, Hello Bud, One Cool Cookie, 14 Keenan's Future, 16/1 bar.
- Thomas Kelly
Irish Independent
