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Top-weight Unioniste (11st 12lb, Paul Nicholls, 10/1 with Betfred) is on course for the Becher Handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles at Aintree on Betfred Becher Chase Community Day, Saturday, December 5.

The Grade Three handicap is the first of two races over the famous Grand National fences on the day.

Trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by John Hales, Unioniste was fancied for this year's Crabbie's Grand National after an impressive victory at Sandown Park in January and a good third to Coneygree the following month, but got no further than the fifth fence.

The seven-year-old has not run since coming home eighth behind stablemate Just A Par in the bet365 Gold Cup over nearly three miles and five furlongs at Sandown Park in April.

Hales, whose colours were carried to victory by Neptune Collonges in the 2012 Crabbie's Grand National, said today: "Unioniste is a definite runner in the Betfred Becher Chase.

"It will be his first run of the season and we want to give him some more experience over the Grand National fences. He was too wired up and on top of himself when he came down in the National.

"I think it is important to give him another go over them. He looks a natural for the Grand National, given his breeding and everything, and hopefully he will have a good experience at the weekend. It is not necessarily about winning, we just want him to have a clear round and enjoy himself.

"Aintree in April is the aim again and I can see him having possibly three runs between now and then."

The 2016 Crabbie's Grand National, worth £1 million, takes place on Saturday, April 9.

Unioniste is 10/1 co second favourite of four with the sponsor for the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase.

The market is headed by Irish raiders Goonyella (11st 4lb, Jim Dreaper) and Heathfield (10st 5lb, Tony Martin) at 8/1. Both horses were in excellent form in the spring, with Goonyella capturing the Midlands National and Heathfield landing competitive handicaps at Navan and the Punchestown Festival.

A strong Irish challenge is also likely to feature Thunder And Roses (11st 1lb, Sandra Hughes, 10/1), winner of the Irish Grand National in April, and bet365 Gold Cup runner-up Vics Canvas (11st 2lb, Dermot McLoughlin, 12/1).

The home team includes 2015 Crabbie's Grand National runner-up Saint Are (11st 2lb, Tom George, 10/1) and progressive six-year-old Algernon Pazham (10st 10lb, 10/1), who is bidding to give trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies a sixth victory in the race. The 2014 Crabbie's Grand National hero Pineau De Re (10st 9lb, Dr Richard Newland, 12/1) is also still engaged.

Betfred spokesman Andrew Griffiths said: "Stamina will be the order of the day at Aintree and two dour stayers head our betting for the Betfred Becher.

"The handicapper knows all about Goonyella, so it could be Heathfield who captures the punters' imagination with just 10st 5lb on his back."

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