Hughes lands Bechers again as Vic wins at Aintree Vic Venturi gave Dessie Hughes a second successive victory in the totesport.com Becher Chase in the hands of Paddy Flood. The 7-1 chance was ridden with restraint for much of the three-and-a-quarter-mile contest but closed up on long-time leader Hello Bud and Keenan's Future after jumping the second last. After safely negotiating the final obstacle, Vic Venturi began to assert and passed the post five lengths ahead of Keenan's Future, with Royal Rosa staying on late in the day to finish third. Leading fancies Irish Raptor and Idle Talk only made it as far as the second fence. Hughes landed the competitive handicap 12 months ago with Black Apalachi. Totesport make Vic Venturi their new favourite for the Grand National at 16-1, while Paddy Power offer 20s. Hughes said: "I am very pleased with that as I was a little afraid of the weight, but he stays and Paddy was very good on him. "He gave him a chance and he has stayed the trip well. "He didn't pitch at any fence and landed over every one safely. "There is only one race for him now and the Grand National will be the target. "He may have a run over hurdles after Christmas to keep him ticking over and he'll then go for the Bobbyjo Chase once the National weights have come out. "We'll have to come back for the National and Black Apalachi will also be back." Flood added: "Up the straight I was only going through the motions and I didn't want to get there too soon."
