Bookies Believe Berry Is Ripe For Becher

Sponsors Totesport make Bewleys Berry, runner-up 12 months ago and a faller when travelling like the winner in this year's Grand National, the 8-1 favourite for Sunday's Becher Chase at Aintree.

Twenty eight entries were received for the three-mile-two-furlong event, which is run over the daunting National fences.

But spokesman Damian Walker warned: 'Ante-post punters should tread carefully though as Bewleys Berry has shown his best form on good ground and the forecast is for an unsettled week.'

I Hear Thunder, a winner over the National fences last season, is going back for another crack.

Bob Buckler's nine-year-old jumped for fun over the unique fences 12 months ago and after a recent pipe-opener over hurdles, a big run is anticipated.

'The plan is to run I Hear Thunder. He had some heat in one of his legs after winning the Grand Sefton Chase last year and we gave him some time off afterwards,' said Buckler.

'He would have got into the Grand National last year on his rating and the plan is to go for the race again this year.

'He'll have a quiet campaign after the Becher Chase because I'm quite keen to nurture his chase handicap mark this year.

'He's a lovely big type of a horse, and everything has gone all right so far, and I hope he'll put in a good performance on Sunday.'

(C) PA Sport