Four Irish in Becher Chase mix Four Irish trained horses were among 24 confirmed for the Randox Health Becher Chase at Aintree on Saturday. Jim Culloty's 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Lord Windermere, Mouse Morris' 2016 Irish National scorer Rogue Angel, Pat Griffin's Portrait King and Eoghan O'Grady's Westerner Point are the horses in question. Last year's winner Vieux Lion Rouge is set to defend his crown. The second and third home in 2016, Highland Lodge and The Last Samuri, have also stood their ground. The latter, trained by Kim Bailey, tops the weights on 11st 12lb while David Pipe's Vieux Lion Rouge has 11st 5lb and Highland Lodge 10st 5lb. Jimmy Moffatt reports Highland Lodge to be in prime shape as he bids to repeat his triumph of 2015. "He's in great form. He's had exactly the same preparation as last year and he's going every bit as well. I've no doubts in my mind about that whatsoever," said the Cartmel trainer. "He's really come alive in the last two or three weeks and his wind-up gallop on Saturday was probably one of the best pieces of work I've seen him do. "I couldn't be happier with him. "This has been his long-range target so he's been in since the end of July. He's had a good long steady build-up." Nigel Twiston-Davies has won this race five times and his sole entry now is Blaklion (11st 6lb), who was fourth in the Grand National in April. He ran well on his seasonal debut when only beaten half a length by Bristol De Mai in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. Other smart performers in the mix include Scottish National winner Vicente, Sizing Codelco, As De Mee and Gas Line Boy.
