Aintree hosts the Becher Chase, the race viewed as one of the best pointers to Grand National success, this Sunday.

"Silver Birch and Amberleigh House won the Becher before going on to win the National," Aintree marketing executive Emma Owen told BBC Merseyside.

The running of the three mile and two furlong race will be over the National fences, the most famous in jump racing.

Nearly all of the trainers hoping to lift national hunt racing's biggest prize in April are represented.

"Donald McCain has got Idle Talk entered," added Owen. "And lots of Grand National hopefuls really target this meeting.

"The Totesport Becher Chase really is a Grand National trial".

Irish trainer Ted Walsh, who saddled Papillon to National success in 2003, has entered Southern Vic.

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