Red-letter day for Vieux Lion Rouge in Becher Chase

Dan Skelton’s mount has defied the odds to leave two favourites trailing in his wake already this season. At Cheltenham, he beat Sceau Royal by a neck. Then, in the Arkle Trophy Trial, he sprung a shock to see off River Wylde by 18l.

This will be a tougher task for the novice chaser, but there’s no reason why he can’t mount a serious challenge here. Brain Power was not pushed when landing his maiden, while Finian’s Oscar will have to deal with a hefty drop in trip.

On that basis, the son of Kayf Tara has strong claims at enticing odds as he bids to maintain his unbeaten start over fences.

Southfield Theatre to put on a show

The London National Handicap Chase is a wide-open affair. And that presents an opportunity for runners at a handy price. Southfield Theatre is one particular fancy who falls into that category.

Paul Nicholls’ eight-year-old stayed well into fourth at Wincanton last month. That was in Listed company. In Class 2 company here, he could have more joy.

He’ll certainly be right amongst it if the ground remains the same, he’s four from six when the going is good-to-soft. The Irish-bred raider has also placed in a quarter of his chase appearances, including when second behind Don Poli in the 2015 RSA Chase.

At a generous price, Southfield Theatre is certainly one worth backing on each-way terms at the very least.

ITV Racing Tips:

1:30 Aintree – Vieux Lion Rouge

1:45 Sandown – North Hill Harvey

2:05 Aintree – Malaya

2:20 Sandown – Fidux

2:35 Aintree – Alpha Des Obeaux

2:55 Sandown – Fox Norton

3:10 Aintree – Gas Line Boy

3:30 Sandown – Southfield Theatre (each-way)

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.