Coko Beach back at Aintree for Becher assignment

Gordon Elliott's Coko Beach will bid to maintain his recent good form in the Boylesports Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree on Saturday.

The grey gelding may have been pulled up in the Grand National last season, but he was eighth the year before and has returned to action this term clearly in good heart.

His reappearance came in the Munster National at Limerick over three miles, where he was third when beaten just two and three-quarter lengths.

The eight-year-old then headed to Navan for the Troytown Chase and was the winner there from a field of 20, beating Limerick Lace and a whole host of Elliott stablemates in a tough staying victory.

Naturally, the handicapper has taken note and the gelding will now return to Aintree off a British mark of 162, a career-high that will see him carry top-weight of 12st.

Eddie O'Leary, of owners Gigginstown House Stud, said: "He's got an awful lot of weight.

"He's up to 161 now (in Ireland, running off 162 in UK) and that is going to be very tough because he's far from that.

"He's going for the Becher because he will enjoy the fences, he's run in the National the last twice and he just hasn't quite got home."

The burden he will carry is eased by the booking of jockey Danny Gilligan, who claims 5lb and has ridden Coko Beach in his two prior starts this season.

"Danny is taking 5lb off his back, which will help," said O'Leary.

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"There is no point in him running in something like the Savills Chase (at Leopardstown), because he'd get lapped.

"He'