Goonyella set for return to Aintree's Becher Chase
The eight-year-old only made it as far as the first fence in last year’s renewal, but proved himself a staying chaser to be reckoned with in the spring by winning the Midlands National at Uttoxeter and finishing second in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
Goonyella made a pleasing return to action when third over hurdles at Cork at the start of November.
Greenogue-based Dreaper said: “He’s in good form and the plan is for him to run at Aintree.
“Jonathan (Burke) will come over to ride him and he’ll run regardless of what weight he gets.”
Goonyella is one of 27 horses to have stood their ground following the confirmation stage and currently sits second in the weights behind the Paul Nicholls-trained Unioniste after Don Poli, Sam Winner and Rocky Creek were all taken out.
Unioniste, an Aintree regular who fell in the National in April, will definitely take his chance.
Nicholls could also saddle Mon Parrain, while Goonyella spearheads a strong Irish contingent that also includes Irish Grand National winner Thunder And Roses, Mouse Morris’ Hennessy Gold Cup third First Lieutenant and the Tony Martin-trained Heathfield.
Rocky Creek could compete over the National fences in the shorter Betfred Grand Sefton Chase on the same afternoon after topping 25 entries at the latest stage.
Double Ross, Bennys Mist and Poole Master are also on the list for the home team.
First Lieutenant, Dromnea, Art Of Logistics and Valseur Lido are the four potential challengers from Ireland.
Rocky Creek is also among 11 entries for the Betfred Lotto “£100K Cash Giveaway” Chase.
Run on Aintree’s Mildmay course, the three-mile-one-furlong affair has also attracted Oliver Sherwood’s Grand National hero Many Clouds, as well as the Willie Mullins-trained RSA Chase winner and leading Cheltenham Gold Cup candidate Don Poli.
Nicholls has also entered Southfield Theatre, while Neil Mulholland has given the option to The Druids Nephew after he bypassed the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday due to unsuitable ground.
Dynaste, Mala Beach, Menorah and Triolo D’Alene also feature.
