Sam Twiston-Davies’ William Hill Blog: Bottom weight a Major plus for Dundee in the Becher

William Hill ambassador Sam Twiston-Davies previews his rides at Saturday’s big meeting at Aintree as well as rides at Exeter and Kelso.

When I think of the Becher Chase, I think of Hello Bud. He will always be one of my favourite horses and to this day he’s still my screen saver! I have really fond memories of him winning his second Becher aged 14, and I was lucky to be a part of his career. He still lives with us now, Jane Lloyd has him at home and she still gets to see plenty of him. I’ll never forget that last furlong where he really stuck it out until the line, he was such a gutsy horse.

Exeter, Friday

I’ll be on Dartmoor Pirate (2.10pm) for Anthony Honeyball in a Novices’ Handicap Chase. I have had a school on him at home and he seems to have taken to jumping fences very well since switching over from hurdles. This does look a competitive race, but his form stacks up well. He finished fourth in the EBF final at Sandown and he’s a likeable type. I’m looking forward to getting on him and seeing how he fares over the larger obstacles.

Aintree, Saturday

I kick off proceedings at Aintree on Magical Arthur (12.57pm) in the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle. He’s been a consistent horse and has won the last couple of races. I haven’t ridden him before, so I’ve had to learn about the horse, and it seems as though he remains in good form alongside the Jennie Candlish team. I’m expecting another good run from him.

Major Dundee (2.07pm) is my ride in the Becher. I don’t know the horse particularly well, but I have watched a fair amount of footage of him. He’s got the visor on again, so I want to get him into a good rhythm in this 12-runner field. Hopefully he can be good and have a competitive chance off bottom weight.

Liam Swagger (2.42pm) is my ride in the Juvenile Hurdle. He has won his last two races and we’re going for another Listed race here. He relaxed a lot better last time out at Wetherby which was reflected in his jumping which certainly improved. This will be a slower surface than he is used to but hopefully that won’t be an issue. I think he’s got every chance and looks the one to beat.

Uncle Bert (3.17pm) won’t mind a bit of rain as he goes very well on softer ground. I felt as though he didn’t jump as well as we know he can over the fences last time, so we’ve reverted him back over hurdles here. I think the step back down to the two-miles-five-furlong trip at Aintree will suit and the faster the pace of the race, the better for him – I can see him being competitive.

Kelso, Sunday

Undersupervision (2.05pm) goes up for the Borders National at Kelso. He lost his way a touch last season, but he does seem in good nick at home. He took a big blow first time out this season at Cheltenham which we had anticipated but he’s stepped forward since. He does have to shoulder top weight here over the four-mile trip, but in a funny kind of way I think that’ll suit him more than a lower weight in a more minor race.

Matata (2.40pm) is in good form and came out of Cheltenham well. He’s become more relaxed in his races now and still does it from the front in his races, the hard way. I do think his running style will suit Kelso and hopefully he can come home in front.