Aintree, the home of the Grand National, takes pride of place on tomorrow's racing programme, with the Tote Becher Chase, run over the formidable National course, rightly hogging the limelight.

This three miles and three furlongs contest, worth no less than £75,000, has drawn a talented field, which includes last year's winner Ardent Scout and Bindaree, triumphant in the Grand National two seasons ago.

My idea of the winner, however, is another horse with experience of these unique obstacles, Clan Royal, winner of the John Hughes Chase on this course in April.

The eight-year-old took a few early chances that day, but then got himself in a great rhythm, and produced a sound display of jumping.

Tomorrow's longer trip is an unknown, but Clan Royal will, hopefully, stay, and, if so, he is expected to take all the beating. Liam Cooper has the mount.

Jonjo O'Neill, trainer of Clan Royal, can also lift the Freephone Stanley Children In Need Handicap Hurdle with East Tycoon.

The four-year-old developed nicely as a novice last term, winning two of his last three starts. He does not look badly weighted and is fancied to make a winning return to action.

Trabolgan will be the subject of much attention in the EBF 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson's charge created a big impression last season, finishing second in all his three races, most notably the Championship Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. He looks an exciting recruit to hurdles.

Howard Johnson has his horses in good nick and Young Whack looks destined for top honours in the Weatherbys Insurance Services Handicap Chase, a race his trainer won with Ballybough Rasher 12 months ago.

Graham Lee, who rode Ballybough Rasher that day, will also be aboard nap selection Young Whack, who looked a horse to follow when recently winning at Ayr.

Tomorrow's tips

Aintree

1-05 Algarve, 1-40 Misty Future, 2-10 East Tycoon, 2-45 Clan Royal, 3-15 Young Whack (NAP), 3-50 Trabolgan

Fakenham

12-40 Fare Dealing, 1-15 Silent Snipe, 1-50 Redspin, 2-20 Motcomb Jam, 2-55 Mini Dare, 3-25 Greensmith Lane

Plumpton

12-20 Poitiers, 12-50 Kercabellec, 1-25 Majed,

2-00 Hawk's Landing, 2-30 Jurancon II, 3-05 Be My Destiny, 3-40 Blue Streak

There are no other meetings tomorrow.

Updated: 12:13 Saturday, November 22, 2003