ALL of Nigel Twiston-Davies’ string seem to be in form but the staying chasers are virtually unstoppable and Blaklion added to recent stable successes by landing some hefty wagers in the Grade 3 Randox Health Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday.

Fourth in last season’s Grand National and runner-up to stable-companion Bristol De Mai in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, Blaklion was sent off at 7/4 favourite and took his time under Gavin Sheehan.

Still moving easily at the 16th, he ranged alongside leader Highland Lodge with two to jump and soon went clear at the elbow, pulling nine lengths away from likely National candidate The Last Samuri with Highland Lodge holding third from former Enda Bolger inmate Federici.

“He’s only small but he has a way of getting over the Aintree fences in the manner of Red Rum, although he’s got plenty to do to match him!” Twiston-Davies said.

“He didn’t quite get home in the National last time but he was beaten only eight lengths and he has another year over his head now. He must have a very good chance if we ride him with more restraint, as we did today, and I should think it will be the Grand National Trial at Haydock followed by the big one.”

RED IN AINTREE

Last season, Brian Ellison’s Definitly Red often looked a chaser capable of winning a major long-distance event and he made no mistake in the Grade 2 188bet.co.uk Many Clouds Chase, making all the running for Danny Cook and crossing the line seven lengths in front of Cloudy Dream.

The latter, running for Trevor Hemmings in the colours of his late Aintree hero Many Clouds, whom this race is named after, would have been a perfect winner for many people but it was not to be.

“His jumping was electric,” enthused Ellison, while winning owner Phil Martin indicated that returning here for the Bowl in the spring might well take priority over Cheltenham. “He doesn’t seem to like it there all that much,” he smiled.