Thunder set for Becher test Thunder And Roses will test his Crabbie's Grand National credentials in the Betfred Becher Chase at Aintree on December 5. The Sandra Hughes-trained stayer won the Irish National back in the spring and reappeared with a pleasing spin over timber recently. Hughes said: "Thunder And Roses came back very well from his summer holiday and had a run over hurdles in Clonmel last week. "I am very happy with how he's come out of that and it will hopefully leave him spot-on for a good run in the Becher. "He is also in the Troytown this weekend but he won't be going there. "We want to give him a view of the fences before the Grand National in April. That is his main aim this year. "After the Becher he will probably have another run in January and then we will see." Hughes also hopes to be represented by Art Of Logistics in the Betfred Grand Sefton Chase on the same afternoon. The seven-year-old stayed on to be sixth over the course and distance in the Topham Chase in April and was last seen finishing eighth in the Munster National. Hughes said: "He has been a little bit disappointing, to be honest with you, even though he is quite high in the handicap. "His best run all year was in the Topham and we are hoping the return to the big fences will keep him interested. "He has just gone a little bit clever on us."
