Smarty favourite for Aintree return

Last season`s Martell Grand National runner-up Smarty has been installed as the 11-2 favourite by the sponsors for the Tote Becher Chase on Sunday.

The eight-year-old gelding, trained by Mark Pitman, made a triumphant return to action when scoring an easy victory over hurdles at Plumpton early this month.

Narrow Water is 6-1 second favourite (with a run), while Ardent Scout, who just missed out on last year`s Becher Chase when beaten half a length by Young Kenny, is a 7-1 chance.

Gower-Slave, who won over course and distance in the John Hughes Trophy in April when beating a field of 24 by five lengths, is 8-1.

The race is run over three miles and three furlongs of the Grand National course.

Smarty seemed to enjoy himself on his return when trotting up by five lengths in a novice hurdle over two miles and five furlongs.

Timmy Murphy had an anxious moment with one untidy leap on the 7-2 chance but otherwise had a trouble-free pipe opener for the season.

Unfortunately, due to a ban collected at Taunton last Thursday for excessive use of the whip, Murphy will not be in the saddle this weekend.

Pitman, who believes his charge will 'take a hell of a lot of beating' is yet to reveal a replacement rider.

'He never put a foot wrong last year at Aintree,' he said. 'His focus was great. He worked last week with some good horses and I was delighted with him.'

TOTE BECHER CHASE

Sponsors betting: 11-2 Smarty, 6-1 Narrow Water (with a run), 7-1 Ardent Scout, 8-1 Church Place, Gower-Slave, 10-1 Meadowbank, Paddy`s Return, Storm Damage, 12-1 Bindaree, Moral Support, 14-1 Skillwise, The Last Fling, 16-1 Village King, 20-1 Kadou Nonantais, Kildorragh, Lance Armstrong, Native King, Scotton Green, Zaggy Lane, 25-1 Amberleigh House, Scotmail Boy, 33-1 Fornaught Alliance, Young Tomo, 40-1 No Retreat, 66-1 Kings Cherry, 100-1 Influence Peddler, 500-1 Maidstone Magnet.