Race of the Day 
/ Timeform / 02 December 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Can Hello Bud secure back-to-back Becher Chase wins over the National fences?
"Last year's winner Hello Bud went with all his old zest before fading on his reappearance and should make a bold bid to defend his crown, but this looks a stronger renewal and preference is for Niche Market, who jumped with plenty of exuberance over these fences in the Grand National and will be sharper for a recent run."
The Becher Chase over the Grand National fences is the highlight at Aintree on Saturday afternoon. Timeform take you through the runners...
Mad Max was as good as ever last term, not beaten far in 2½m Grade 1 event on the Mildmay course in April, but stamina to prove first try over these unique fences on first run since leaving Nicky Henderson.
Rare Bob handled these fences well when third in John Smith's Chase in 2010. Unseated 2 out on return visit here in April and sure to be sharper for recent comeback at Down Royal last month.
Niche Market jumped superbly at head of affairs until running out of gas 2 out when fifth in this year's Grand National. Will be straighter for a recent run and very much respected at this more suitable trip.
Swing Bill has been better than ever of late, following up 3m Cheltenham win with fine third at Ascot last month. Coped well with these fences only previous try, so no reason to think he won't make presence felt.
Always Waining is a dab hand over these fences, posting a career best when winning Topham for second year running in April. Stays this far and couple of spins over hurdles sure to have put an edge on him.
West End Rocker improved when landing a couple of staying handicaps last season. Unfortunate when brought down at Becher's in Grand National afterwards, but dismal reappearance run tempers any enthusiasm.
Merchant Paddy was a useful chaser at best, but lightly raced and little form since 2008/9. Debatable whether this test will prove suitable on first try beyond 23f.
Hello Bud is a bold-jumping front runner who responded gamely when capturing this prize last year. Went with all his old zest before fading on recent return and hard to leave out of the equation again.
Nicto de Beauchene got back on the up when landing a 3m Sandown handicap in January. Cemented improvement in blinkers when runner-up at Bangor last month, but has no previous experience over these obstacles.
Abbeybraney got off the mark at eighth chasing attempt for Howard Johnson at Hexham (3m) 2 years ago, but not seen since March 2010 and plenty to prove on first assault over the National fences for new yard.
Max Bygraves took another step in the right direction when wide-margin winner of a 2½m Huntingdon handicap in October. Hiked up in the weights as a result, though, and this an entirely different test.
Shalimar Fromentro showed useful form when opening chasing account at Warwick (3m) in January. Demoted for interference when first past post at Auteuil last month, but lack of experience likely to count against him here.
Another Palm is a winning hurdler/chaser who has run well when twice finding one too good over marathon trips 2 of last 3 starts over fences (blinkered latest), but more required on first try over these fences.
Pak Jack gained first win in 6 years when scoring at Wetherby (25f) in February. Run well over this course in the past, but cheekpieces need to enable him to put a lacklustre reappearance behind him.
Ballyvesey coped well with these fences when fourth in this race last year. Better than ever during a productive spell earlier in the year, but miles below par since returning from a break in October.
Timeform 1-2-3
1. Niche Market
2. Swing Bill
3. Always Waining
Timeform Verdict: Last year's winner Hello Bud went with all his old zest before fading on his reappearance and should make a bold bid to defend his crown, but this looks a stronger renewal and preference is for Niche Market, who jumped with plenty of exuberance over these fences in the Grand National and will be sharper for a recent run. Swing Bill and Always Waining complete the shortlist.
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The Timeform Jury were in great form in November, with 13 individual winners at up to 10/1 and 58% profit on stakes*. Click HERE to find out more.
*At advised prices to recommended stakes.
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