The Topham Chase is widely regarded as one of the races of the season and it takes place on Ladies Day at Aintree’s Grand National meeting in April.
The Topham Handicap Chase 2025 promises an exhilarating spectacle as a competitive field takes on Aintree’s iconic Grand National fences. With a mix of seasoned chasers and progressive contenders, this race is set to deliver high-class action and plenty of drama over the famous course.
Runner-up in this contest 12 months ago, the Willie Mullins-trained JAMES DU BERLAIS (NAP) returns to Merseyside for another crack at the “mini Grand National” – the 2m5f Topham Chase.
Leading owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede publicly stated that they would be turning their attentions to Aintree’s Grand National Festival this term rather than being top heavy with runners at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. With this in mind, you would like to think that a big run is on the cards for this nine-year-old gelding.
Last year, James Du Berlais appeared to have the Topham wrapped up coming around the Elbow, but he was reeled in late by Arizona Cardinal. He’s certainly one of the classier chasers in the field and the famous double-green silks look sure to be in the thick of it once more.
Aintree stalwart Latenightpass gears up for fifth appearance over the National fences, with few horses boasting a better affinity with the iconic Aintree fences in recent years, than the evergreen veteran who is now a 12-year-old.
Trained by Tom Ellis, Latenightpass has built a formidable record around the Grand National course, and after a commendable second-place finish in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, the team are hopeful of another bold showing at his favourite track.
Opting to drop Latenightpass back in trip in the Topham Chase, run over a single circuit of the Grand National course (2m5f) is a tactical move that may well play to the gelding’s strengths, particularly with his experience and fluency over the fences.
The Henry De Bromhead-trained Amirite is also a very interesting entry.
He has contested some major staying handicap chases, including the Galway Plate, Kerry National and Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot already this season, and was last seen running fourth behind Hewick in a hurdles race at Thurles over 2m6f in March.
He is a rock-solid jumper and stays the trip, two attributes that could serve him well here. His horse racing odds for the race should be generous too.
Some attention needs to be paid to The Goffer too. Gordon Elliott’s charge was an eye-catching fourth in the Cross Country Chase at The Festival last time after being given a lot to do.
The eight-year-old stays longer than the mother-in-law, and it’s highly probable he’ll be staying on in the closing stages when the others have cried enough. He’s certainly a solid pick for the each-way and placepot punters out there.
Suggested bet: James Du Berlais E/W @ 7/1
*Check out our latest Grand National odds here*
