Blaklion in Grand National driving seat after smooth Becher Chase win

Blaklion is the new favourite for the Grand National after a faultless display in the Randox Health Becher Chase at Aintree.

Fourth in the big event in April when seemingly failing to see out the marathon trip, he was far more at home over three and a quarter miles, despite the very testing conditions.

Ridden by Gavin Sheehan, as he was when narrowly beaten by stablemate Bristol De Mai in the Charlie Hall Chase, Nigel Twiston-Davies' eight-year-old won by nine lengths.

Given the exploits of his stable companion in the Betfair Chase, he looked well handicapped and was strongly supported into 7-4 favouritism, and the result was never in doubt.

Aintree regulars The Last Samuri and Highland Lodge once again showed their affection for the fences, but were ultimately well beaten in second and third respectively.

Twiston-Davies told ITV Racing: "It was a superb round of jumping, but it's a relief to see him win. We had a brilliant jumper fall in an earlier race so it's lovely when they go round like that.

"It was exactly what we'd hoped for. He didn't seem to quite get home in the National last year, but we dropped back a mile and our prayers have been answered.

"Others will come out of the woodwork for the National I'm sure, but he must have a very good chance if we ride him a bit more restrained, like we did today - we've only got eight lengths to find.

"I'll think about how we get there, he might wait for the Grand National Trial at Haydock and then the National. We'll think about the Gold Cup, but hopefully we've got that sorted (with Bristol De Mai)."

Blaklion is now the general 10-1 favourite for the National.