Trainer Sandy Thomson believes Hill Sixteen has a "great chance" of going one better this year in Saturday’s Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree Racecourse. While Randox Grand National hero Noble Yeats returns to the scene of his greatest triumph in the Grade Two Boylesports Many Clouds Chase on the same card on Merseyside.
Thomson's Hill Sixteen was narrowly denied by Snow Leopardess by just a nose in last year's Becher Chase – run over the famous Aintree obstacles – and both horses were among the bumper final 23 entries for this weekend's renewal of the 3m2f contest.
The nine-year-old was pulled up in the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow following his fine effort last December and unseated rider Jack Andrews five out in the Scottish version at Ayr in April. But he made a solid return to action in the Edinburgh Gin Chase at Kelso in October to be third behind Sounds Russian and Aye Right.
