Mr Vango can triumph in Becher Chase at Aintree

MR Vango can secure victory in the William Hill Half A Mill Becher Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (2.40pm) at Aintree Racecourse this afternoon.

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Jack Tudor, on the way to winning the JenningsBet Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March - he can win again at Aintree this afternoon

(NIGEL FRENCH/PA)

While Il Etait Temps can win the Grade One Betfair Tingle Creek Chase (GBB Race) (3pm) at Sandown.

Sara Bradstock's giant chaser can take another leap to a crack at the Randox Grand National with victory over the big Aintree obstacles in the 3m2f feature on Merseyside.

Having been third in the National Hunt Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2024 and pulled up in the Scottish Grand National the following month, the nine-year-old was a revelation last season. He made a winning return to action on this day 12 months ago, landing the 3m4½f London National Handicap Chase at Sandown, racing prominently and relishing both the marathon trip and soft conditions.

He was also impressive when grabbing another victory in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase, dropped back in trip to 3m1½f, at Haydock Park in January.

And having looked to have a chance of running a big race at Aintree in April, he missed the cut for the now 34-strong contest having not been handed enough weight by the handicapper to get in the world's greatest steeplechase.

He gained some compensation when winning the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter ahead of Venetia Williams' Tanganyika in March, making light of having to carry top weight of 12st and leading for almost all the marathon 4m2f and scoring in less testing conditions than usual.

Mr Vango again saddles top weight but his big frame makes him more able to carry it. And although he prefers softer conditions, he showed at Uttoxeter he doesn't necessarily need them to triumph.