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1608: Tributo has been backed from 5/4 into 4/5 at Chelmsford but I'm not going to stay around for the rest of their card I'm afraid as I've just been handed a long list of jobs that need doing!

It's been a busy but fun day with plenty to enjoy. The great shame was Imperial Aura's demise but there's been plenty to celebrate and I'm sure connections of Secret Reprieve will be doing just that. The Welsh Grand National really was a plan that came together and it came together in great style.

It might even take the headlines from Paul Nicholls who saddled a remarkable seven winners (I think) including a big race double at Kempton and it will probably consign poor old Boreham Bill and Emma Lavelle to a note in the final paragraph despite their victory in a feature race.

I hope you've enjoyed it all and found a winner or two along the way and that you'll join me again next Saturday.

1557: It's been fast and furious since the get-go but the last from Kempton is just about upon us. Paul Nicholls was hopeful of a good run from Malaya when interviewed earlier but admitted she's handicapped to the hilt, hence the decision to claim. The hugely progressive Breffniboy is the one to beat on the book and Richard Hoiles has the call.

Dream du Grand Val has been giving some trouble at the start and has decided he's not going to play. Nordican Bleue is being led in. The starter is giving the recalcitrant outsider another chance. James Bowen has dismounted and Dream du Grand Val has been withdrawn by the starter apparently. Nordican Bleue is being given another chance and she did trot for about two strides before stopping. You can take a horse to water......

Breffniboy is about four lengths adrift of the field, perhaps the attitude is catching? Nordican Bleue is more than likely to have come under starter's orders which is relevant for anyone backing each-way but I can't confirm that just yet. Manucci has stopped to a standstill within a matter of strides and Timeforaspin has done similar. Favourite gets a reminder, Fransham goes well. Millers Bank (7/1) in the lead from Fransham and a rallying Breffniboy who is never closer than at the line. What a strange, strange race.

Quite a few of those just didn't seem to fancy it and they include the eventual second and favourite Breffniboy. Trying to put a positive spin on his performance and I suppose you could say that he shapes as though the handicapper hasn't caught up with him yet.

1551: The winner at Wincanton was trained by Milton Harris who is enjoying a decent spell. Starter on the rostrum at Chepstow.

Whiteoak Fleur is losing ground jumping out to the right. Poniente leads from the favourite and Dame du Soir. The favourite is leaning further and further to the right and that has proved costly. Dame du Soir hits the front approaching the last, jumps it well and runs on strongly. A 6/1 winner for Brendan Powell and David Bridgwater.

1542: We're nearing the close of play for most cards and Wincanton finishes with a competitive two mile handicap chase. Glajou is sure to be popular for Paul Nicholls; he's been in good form and will appreciate dropping back to the minimum after being caught out over further at Taunton last time. Dandolo du Gite is an each-way option against him for me.

Did you know that Donald McCain had won with six of his last eight runners? I knew he'd been in good form (ever since I backed the tailed off Brother Pat last Saturday) but hadn't realised it was quite as good as that. Whiteoak Fleur runs for the Cholmondeley handler at Chepstow in a few moments.

Last year's winner Molineaux leads at Wincanton but the race hasn't developed yet. Glajou was just making ground when making a minor mistake which knocked him back. He's still plenty close enough. Dandolo du Gite takes over the lead and Glajou gets a reminder. Leader makes a mistake and Molineaux fights back as Jackson Hill (7/1) comes with a brilliantly timed challenge (aren't they all when you look like winning) under Daryl Jacob. It's a maiden success at the seventeenth time of asking.

1527: No time to rest with the Lanzarote Hurdle up now and it's time for Glynn to win!

I 'dissed' Everglow earlier but 10/1 is the sort of price that makes him much more interesting despite concerns about his hurdling. One True King very well backed in stark contrast to stablemate Riders Onthe Storm. Supporters will be hoping the market proves to be just as accurate a guide to his chances.

A prominent position is often advantageous in this race and One True King and Shang Tang are both front rank. Mount Mews is up there too in the first time blinkers. Amour de Nuit, Castle Robin and Shinobi prominent in a tightly grouped field. Glynn is into sixth. Everglow and Solo rear. Shinobi dropping out quickly. Hunters Call and Everglow move closer. Castle Robin hurdling well, outjumping One True King. Boreham Bill on the outside moves strongly and hits the lead at the second last. Hunters Call in second. Misty Whisky up for second. Victory for Ben Jones and Emma Lavelle and a nice performance in a race dominated by those from off the pace.

The winner went close over C&D last time on his first run back over hurdles after three runs over fences but he wasn't on many people's radar and was returned at 66/1! He's not the only recent winner to successfully switch between the two with Oscara Dara winning on his first run back over the smaller obstacles in 2013.

Ben Jones: "It means the world. I rode this lad over the summer over fences and it wasn't quite going to plan. Emma had this race in the back of her mind for a long time. He is tricky. He loves life and he wants to do everything too quick sometimes."

Jones and the 'lass' leading the winner up pay plenty of credit to Brad at home who rides the winner out, apparently he's not the easiest. Boreham Bill that is.

1523: What a season Evan Williams is having with Coole Cody, Silver Streak and now Secret Reprieve and there's a general feeling of delight in the victory from the tv presenters for the trainer, owners and jockey.

Adam Wedge speaking to ITV: "All credit to the horse, he's an absolute warrior. It makes up for it you know. I've got a boss who's got great belief in me and it makes all the difference. It's the one race he's always wanted to win. It means the world to him and to me. We're lucky to be racing and I'm just grateful to be here."

Back to back wins in the Welsh national for Welsh trainers. Pride of a nation.

1511: They're off.

The Two Amigos matches strides with Yala Enki which can't be sensible. They've cleared seven. Trucker's Lodge is third while Secret Reprieve is in about seventh. Springfield Fox is fourth but wide on the track. Dominateur being patiently ridden. The two greys make a mistake at the eleventh, Bobo Mac and Ramses. Circuit to go. Captain Drake is into third with Christmas In April and Prime Venture prominent. The Two Amigos outjumps Yala Enki as The Hollow Ginge departs and causes some trouble. Secret Reprieve still front rank. Lord du Mesnil just behind him. Bobo Mac and Dominateur make progress. Secret Reprieve into fourth on the outside, he's making his move. The Two Amigos leads still. Secret Reprieve leads at three out. Further clear two out but it's not over. It is now. Hugely popular winner. The Two Amigos and Yala Enki in second and third.

Apparently the winner's girth has come undone and his saddle was only just staying in place.

The winning trainer has got tears in his eyes and is very, very emotional.

1503: Harry Cobden: "I was thinking you silly, silly, b boy. He's turned into a bit of a survivor and he's done well to stand up. He's got some engine and when he's right like today, he's a really good horse."

I've been busy refreshing Oddschecker but Imperial Aura's Ryanair Chase price doesn't appear to have shifted yet.

Secret Reprieve is 5/2 for the Welsh national. That's bonkers isn't it? Springfield Fox is second favourite but Truckers Lodge and Ramses de Teillee appeal as each-way options with the extra places on offer. They're on their way to the start.

1450: Imperial Aura has been given an entry for the Gold Cup but the Ryanair remains the obvious destination and he is between 5/1 and 7s for that Cheltenham contest.

This track should suit Master Tommytucker and Riders Onthe Storm far better than Cheltenham does. Martin Dixon reveals that he's had to back the latter at the prices as he can't ignore the odds despite concerns about the marked market weakness. He beat Cepage in a handicap last year and won a Grade One, he doesn't have too many miles on the clock but did disappoint on his one start this campaign. He's out to 10/1 and must have lost a leg.

Flag's raised. Imperial Aura lines up alongside Master Tommytucker; the latter, not surprisingly, goes on and Imperial Aura dives at the second and falls. Or unseats. High drama, normally such a safe jumper and that's such a shame for this race. Where does Kim Bailey go before Cheltenham now? That's left Master T with a clear lead of around five lengths. Imperial Aura has jumped a hurdle instead and isn't going with the field. The leader could be hard to peg back and neither rival is trying to do so yet. The pair have crept a little closer as the field completes a circuit. Master T got in a bit close to one there but no real problems and he jumps the following ditch well. He's about two clear on the turn for home and appears to be going much better than his rivals. Riders Onthe Storm labouring and re-passed by Clondaw Castle. Master Tommytucker (2/1) nearly falls at the last. Oh my. The partnership remains intact and they win. Seven on the day for Nicholls.

1438: Evander and Glen Forsa to the fore at Wincanton. Mind's Eye is pulled up. Gala Ball niggled but the others move well enough. Glen Forsa being given a positive ride. Evander only fourth. Slate House and Capeland in the slipstream of the leader. Capeland (6/1) goes on. Could it be another for Nicholls? Evander back up for second. Treble for Daryl Jacob.

We're actually back at Wincanton before the next at Chepstow which I don't recall seeing before (I'm sure it's happened) with the build-up for the Welsh National at 1510. Before all of that, we can focus on the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton.

Nicholls has just been interviewed on Racing TV and isn't ruling McFabulous out of Cheltenham but confirms that 'two and a half miles at Aintree is the race for him' but he can't wait to go chasing with him next season.

I'm afraid I didn't catch what he said about Master Tommytucker but it wasn't expansive and he was in a rush, probably heading off to watch Capeland.

His runner here is 5/2 with Imperial Aura 5/6 and Riders Onthe Storm is 7/1 which is a price that amazes me. That said, I'm in no rush to take on the favourite who is such an exciting individual - this is a race to relish and will hopefully live up to its billing if the quartet run close to their best.

1431: Alex Hammond says it's so cold at Chepstow that they've been doing star jumps to keep warm and shared that Jim McGrath revealed he did star jumps on a trampoline in his gym. There's an image for you all.

On the other channel Ed Chamberlin reveals there's still 40 minutes until the Welsh National, I'm in danger of tailing off with a circuit to run.

Coming out onto the track for this intriguing novice hurdle at Chepstow. This is quickly followed by a 0-150 at Wincanton where Evander is odds-on but I'd like to see a more encouraging run from Glen Forsa who was disappointing in the Peterborough last time.

Favourite Easy As That is six lengths clear at Chepstow but doesn't look a natural over his hurdles. He's headed now and isn't going to win many races over the smaller obstacles on this evidence (cue victory here). Witness Protection races in a share of the lead with Can You Call a length down turning in. Easy As That is back to third, now fourth. He's stuck on quite well in fairness and the engine is clearly there. A good duel at the front with Witness Protection (9/2) beating Can You Call and Sheldon.

1414: The Dipper result should shake-up the ante-post markets a little and it will be interesting to hear from Dan Skelton over the next week. As for the here and now, it's time for McFabulous to do his talking on the track at Kempton and it's not a huge surprise to see that he's now odds-on.

Cardano is favourite at Lingfield and could complete a double for the Brookhouse/Williams/Kingscote team.

What do we need to see from McFabulous to convince for the Stayers? I suppose he has to hit the line strongly but the Cheltenham race is a very different test to this one.

At Lingfield, the blinkered Raymond Tusk leads - he is a veritable globetrotter. Cardano in second and goes into the lead on the turn for home. He maintains his advantage to the line and wins the feature by a little over the length.

Off and away at Kempton for the Relkeel Hurdle. They've jumped two and the race is settling down after the early jostling for positions. Younevercall is on the inside of On The Blind Side. Summerville Boy and Indefatigable wider on the track but you can throw a blanket over the field. Summerville Boy missed that flight and the next and Younevercall lost his position before being driven back up again. McFabulous inches closer. Call Me Lord being ridden patiently. McFabulous moves strongly on the outside. Thomas Derby gets a nice run up the inside but this is McFabulous' race, surely? He's held together but leads at the last. He only needs to be shaken up to win at 10/11 favourite.

"A silky smooth performance. This is a career best." is the immediate post-race view from Martin Dixon on Racing TV. Dixon and Lydia Hislop believe that Aintree could be the better option for the winner with Grade Ones over two and a half miles and three miles but will they be able to resist the allure of Cheltenham?

"The main thing today is that he hasn't had a hard race," says Harry Cobden. Cobden believes that Aintree is more his track than Cheltenham but Paddy Power, who are non-runner, no bet, have quoted him at 12/1 for the Stayers Hurdle.

1403: Off at Chepstow but there's going to be a clash with the Paddy Power Dipper Novices' Chase at Wincanton I'd imagine as that's due off at 1405. Protektorat is the 4/9 favourite but there's still plenty of intrigue. I don't know how you'd get him onside but I'd expected Lieutenant Rocco to be a little shorter after his good run last time.

Good And Hardy is out of the race at Chepstow. Ask Me Early leads and they're only just heading out onto the back straight so we'll be a while for Wincanton if they're going to hold them back. They haven't, they're off and Lieutenant Rocco leads. Protektorat is in close attendance while Messire des Obeaux watches on.

Top of the home straight at Chepstow and it's Ask Me Early and Hold That Taught but five are thereabouts. Front two go on and Ask Me Early is back in front and jumps well. He opens the door at the last but rallies well. A winner for Sean Bowen just after his brother James struck at Kempton.

Protektorat in trouble at Wincanton as Messire des Obeaux takes over. That's a huge shock. Not just that Protektorat was beaten but the way that he went down without much of a fight. Very disappointing for a horse that looked so good earlier in the season.

1353: I'm told that Harry Fry was keen on the chances of Ask Me Early in this week's Weekender although I haven't seen the paper so I'm afraid I can't divulge anymore than that.

He's been usurped at the top of the market by Hold That Taught who has hit the frame on both starts this season.

The handicap hurdle in which Highland Hunter was third (to Main Fact) is one of the strongest races of its type in the first part of the season and used to be a springboard for chasers; whether that remains the case now that it's no longer run over the brush hurdles is open to question but it would be no great surprise were Highland Hunter well primed for this chase bow and he'd do for me.

The money has come for Ask Me Early who is now into 15/8.

1339: There are some familiar names going to post for the three mile handicap chase at Kempton but one horse whose star should still be on the rise is Two For Gold so it's no surprise to see that he's the 3/1 favourite. The front-running Commodore should go well while I wondered whether King of Realms might go well at a price - he probably won't. Rocco is a more obvious threat in what is an open market behind Two For Gold.

Double Shuffle is the first of three selections for the Punting Pointers team and it's not long until we find out how he fares.

Coo Star Sivola is quite a long way off the pace in the early stages. Guitar Pete is being ridden patiently as is Rocco. Ami Desbois, Saint Xavier, Double Shuffle, Two For Gold and Commodore are the first five. Slight mistakes from Two For Gold while Coo Star Sivola has improved with a circuit to run. Saint Xavier appears to be turning the screw but there's still seven to jump. One or two of these are on and off the bridle. Commodore, King of Realms and Rocco struggling and Guitar Pete has fallen. Ami Desbois the new leader. Double Shuffle in second. Ami Desbois is tough but Double Shuffle (4/1) gets a far better jump at the last and wins from about a length with Two For Gold the same away in third. That final fence made all the difference.

1332: Running at Wincanton where Sizable Sam will attempt to provide another boost for Cadzand's form.

Chelmsford City is just about underway but I'm not sure there'll be much time to check in with action there or at Lingfield where there's a typically competitive 0-80. They've jumped nine at Wincanton and Sizable Sam leads.

Oneupmanship goes on but Sizable Sam (2/1 favourite) challenges again and is back in front crossing the line. A nice performance from the winner whose physical appearance shows how he got his name.

1318: The Grade One Finale Juvenile Hurdle is up next at Chepstow and Nassalam is back to odds-on with Houx Gris quite weak in the betting despite all of his stable's winners so far.

It's fairly remarkable to think that Bristol de Mai won this contest as a three-year-old way back in 2014; he's had a superb career. The 2016 winner Defi du Seuil didn't turn out too badly while hopes are high for last year's scorer Allmankind. In short, this race has lived up to its Grade One billing.

Bannister has opened up a long lead by the end of the home straight and is being ignored by the field. He has raced freely in the past and hasn't reformed yet it seems. Nassalam races in a share of second, on the inside of Houx Gris. Turning for home and Bannister is being challenged for the lead on either side. Elham Valley and Adagio prominent and the big players are all there. Nassalam runs down the second last and is challenged by Adagio (5/2) who goes the better. Adagio has progressed with each start and wins well from a rallying Nassalam with the front two a long, long way clear.

I've been quite keen to take on Adagio at every step, or at least don't believe that he's going to win the Triumph, but he's improved with every start and I may well have to start revising that view.

1309: Smarty Wild is a favourite I want to take on at Kempton as his jumping hasn't impressed. Quite what I take him on with I don't know as there are question marks over most of the field.

There's been a winner for Daryl Jacob at Wincanton while the Kempton commentator (Richard Hoiles?) believes that Smarty Wild and Pistol Whipped have both been a little free behind a slow pace. Circuit to run. Smarty Wild has just made a mistake but the field remain reasonably tightly grouped. The Bay Birch leads over the fourth last. Smarty Wild into second. Pistol Whipped appears to go well in third. Pistol Whipped and Smarty Wild (5/2 favourite) and the latter gets the better jump at the last and is the more resolute.

It feels like a fair few favourites have gone in today and some of the better fancied market leaders are still to run. If Smarty Wild can continue to improve his fencing, there should be a fair bit more to come.

1302: I'm going to stay with Sky Sports Racing (rather than switch to Wincanton) who have just reported that Adam Wedge is up okay; he's not long back from injury and has had two heavy falls today.

Make It Rain is favourite for the Crisfords, she won off 80 in September and lines up here from 97 after three wins and two seconds but Jason Weaver is intrigued by the claims of Wait For The Lord who is not without supporters after a big run behind Sangarius.

Lucky's Dream (11/1) beats United Front in a race where the market proved wide of the mark.

1245: Nicholls runs Storm Arising in the upcoming race at Chepstow. It's a staying handicap hurdle that looks very open and isn't a race I have a strong view on. Farrants Way heads the market but I'd argue that second favourite Exploiteur is the better bet of the two having won his last two starts - one over C&D - and with the form working out well enough.

Clyne has only won one of his last 22 races but often goes close and did in this race last year; he returned to form at Haydock last time and has each-way claims again despite his rising years.

I'd argue there's a slight dip in proceedings before the day's highlights with a 0-105 up next from Wincanton although there is a 0-95 from Lingfield where there's little to separate the first three in the market.

They're roughly halfway at Chepstow and there's relatively little to report. Clyne leads while Exploiteur has made smooth progress from last into a more challenging position. They're beginning to make the turn for home. Farrants Way lost his position and has plenty on his hands. Clyne falls three out. Five in a line. Storm Arising is going on but challenged by Ask Dillon. Storm Arising (6/1) wins. A cracking race. Winner number four for Paul Nicholls and a second on the card for Bryony Frost.

1238: Presumably between Wincanton finishing and Kempton starting, Going Places won at Lingfield on debut for Archie Watson and the newly gelded son of Frankel could be a very useful prospect for the year ahead. The runner-up was rated 82 though so he's going to be pitched in at a pretty decent level for his next start.

Two to jump at Kempton and half a dozen still involved. That's down to four by the time they straighten up and the favourite Barbados Buck's (2/1 favourite) leads. Staying is his game and he stays on more strongly than his rivals to complete his hat-trick. This is already turning into quite a good day for Team Ditcheat. The Albert Bartlett has just been mentioned for the winner on Racing TV but I'm sticking to my guns and I'm dubious whether he has the requisite class for a race of that nature at this stage of his career.

1228: Running at Wincanton and then off to Kempton for another novices' hurdle which I don't think is the strongest race. The doubly penalised Barbados Buck's is obviously progressive and more was expected of Fedelta at Ludlow with similar remarks applying to It Sure Is who has twice been a beaten favourite and is now fitted with cheekpieces.

Support continues to come for Fedelta and I do think the favourite is vulnerable for all that there's not an obvious amount of depth to the contest.

On To Victory being pushed along at Wincanton. He responds but is being strongly challenged by Iron Mike. Photo.

The latter is trained by Nick Mitchell who runs Lieutenant Rocco later on the card (and Baignard), that bodes well for his wellbeing at least.

A nervous wait for those who took the 4/5 but On To Victory has been confirmed the winner with the judge also needing a photo to confirm Leylak in third.

1220: My Way made an early error but cuts out the running with Tidal Flow as they head out to the back straight at Chepstow.

Tidal Flow makes a mistake and quickly drops to last. Cepage has moved onto the quarters of My Way with Esprit Du Large travelling strongly in third. There's seven furlongs to run and five are covered by a couple of lengths. This could be a good day for Evan Williams and the Ruckers as Esprit du Large is cantering over his rivals. Still two to jump. Cepage (7/2) rallies. Awful fall for Esprit du Large having been headed, hopefully he's up okay. Apparently he's up on his feet and galloped past the post (although he had a rein round his leg) but Adam Wedge is still down, possibly just winded.

The Alex Hammond / Jim McGrath consensus is that Cepage was getting back on top anyway and a drop back to the minimum looks the way to go for Esprit du Large; hopefully his confidence will be unaffected as the fall was a real pearler.

1210: There's a cracking handicap chase in prospect at Chepstow. It's a race in which Venetia Williams has a fantastic record having saddled the winner five times in the last eight seasons. She runs Cepage who pulled up at Cheltenham last time (when backed by yours truly) and has been dropped by a whole pound by the handicapper.

This trip should suit My Way as he hasn't been getting home over three miles while Esprit du Large was good enough to beat Nube Negra as a novice. Tiquer may be 13 but he won this race last year and, slightly more surprisingly than Williams' record, his trainer Alan Jones also sent out the winner in 2014 and 2011.

If push came to shove, I'd be with Cepage but I've long been a fan.

The second at Wincanton is a maiden hurdle with an odds-on favourite in On To Victory. He may well have won a good race at Kempton on Boxing Day with a clear round and this looks to be a very good opportunity for all that there are interesting rivals from the yards of Dan Skelton and Nigel Twiston-Davies.

1200: There's a first ever runner for Alex French in this race at Lingfield but at 80/1, Out Of Sight could live up to his name as far as being involved in the finish goes. Who Cares Wins is back out to 9/4.

Discomatic made the running at Lingfield and led inside the final furlong but Toronado Grey (7/2) picked up in very good fashion to justify the market support and win comfortably for Tom Queally and Gary Moore; there was a bunch finish for the minors.

Kempton kicks off with a juvenile hurdle that doesn't look obviously exciting on paper and I don't think there have been any really notable market moves. Kentucky Hardboot and Sage Advice were contesting favouritism at Kempton and the former has settled well in third which is more than can be said for Tinnahalla in front.

Sage Advice (7/4 favourite) goes by far the best at the second last but didn't jump well. He's soon back on the bridle though and is much better at the last; he wins hard held.

1154: They haven't wasted any time in getting them underway at Wincanton and they all appear to be standing.

Not too long until the second at Lingfield where Who Cares Wins has been well backed to open her account at the third attempt. She's trained by Alan King and ridden by Hollie Doyle. I thought Fairy Cakes shaped with some promise on debut at Kempton but she's been very easy to back today. Discomatic has also drifted but from a significantly shorter price while Toronado Grey has been cut by the layers.

The big two are pulling clear at Wincanton with Fleck Ivy in the lead under sufferance. Flash Collonges (7/4) goes on and the favourite looks in trouble. Jerminnie Green and Animal both show promise in third and fourth.

That's two winners for Paul Nicholls already. Are people still saying that he's out of form in January after the vaccinations? I don't think I've seen any reference to that this time around.

1142: It will be a fairly congested day and the Chepstow race will run quickly into the opener from Wincanton where Malinello is the odds-on favourite. I'll be keeping an eye on Animal who impressed me in a bumper last season but has yet to confirm that promise in two starts this term. There aren't too many obvious threats to the market leader with the exception of Flash Collonges who was beaten at 4/9 at Newbury last time.

Off and racing at Chepstow and Pozo Emery dived left-handed at the first and caused a bit of trouble while Spotty Dog was pulled up before the second. Sopran Thor ran quite well in a race won by My Drogo last time but he's again racing a shade keenly, as he did at Newbury, which won't help him get home in these conditions. Pozo Emery moves comfortably in the lead but there's still a mile to travel and three to jump.

There was a hint of promise from No Hubs No Hoobs and De Young Warrior who looks to need a trip but the honours on the day go to Pozo Emery (7/2) who found more than enough to see off Champagne Rhythm.

1135: Party Island (5/1) just denies Subliminal with El Conquistador third. Avorisk Et Perils just had to be snatched up a little in the closing stages when finding himself short of room in a typical finish for the track. I'm told that Capla Crusader was an eyecatcher by someone who backed him at 33s last night so perhaps he's one to add to your My Stable tracker.

They're in the paddock for the opening maiden hurdle at Chepstow in a race that features plenty of runners that, erm, will hold more realistic claims once handicapping. Pozo Emery was a beaten favourite in a bumper but it would be no surprise to see him fare better on his hurdling debut for Paul Nicholls. He was second in an Irish point to Reality Cheque who was in the process of posting a big run at Leopardstown over Christmas only to fatally break down in a sad incident. There's been some money for De Young Warrior and he shaped quite well at Warwick in a race won by a very promising individual from Alan King's yard.

1125: We're not too far away from the first at Lingfield Park where Sophosc heads the betting for Joseph Tuite.

El Conquistador is an interesting each-way contender, stepping up from a mile, and he carries the colours of the top-class Iridessa who was trained by Joseph O'Brien. There's no encouragement in the market though which is a little off-putting as it would be for fans of Capla Crusader who has his first start for Chris Dwyer.

Subliminal has won his last two races from stall eight and breaks from the same box here although quite whether that merits Jason Weaver's description as an 'amazing stat' I'm not so sure.

1114: A friend has just sent me his fancies for the day and they included Glynn which prompted me to look up the reaction to his victory at Doncaster last season.

He got quotes of 16/1 and upwards for the Cheltenham Festival novice races after that and Jeremiah McGrath said: "I hope it looked as good as it felt, because I think he’s above-average.

"He got a bit lonely in front, but I loved the way he went down to the last. He might be a two-miler, but you never know. He’s a six-year-old – not a weak four-year-old – so we can crack on with him and hopefully he has a few big days ahead of him.”

1105: As for the Welsh National, Secret Reprieve is very short isn't he?

I know the reasons for that are sound but I'd rather chance my arm with a couple of each-way bets. I can't abandon Truckers Lodge after last year (despite a stone higher mark) and seeing prices of 20/1+ about Ramses de Teillee, who has also finished second in a Welsh National, seem very tempting as this sort of test is right down his street and he simply didn't take to the National fences at Aintree last time. There are six places on offer with Betfair, Paddy Power and Sky Bet and five with a lot of other firms and I'm often tempted to take a chance in the extra place races.

1100: Easy As That was very disappointing on his hurdling debut at Bangor in a race won by the useful Any News. He's been given plenty of time since and it will be interesting to see if he fares better in the race that precedes the Welsh National. Easy As That is a short price to begin to justify his inclusion in the Timeform Fifty to Follow where he was described as 'a cracking prospect'.

1050: Glancing down the Chepstow card, I see Nassalam has drifted to a more sensible price having been odds-on when I last looked. A wide margin winner of both starts for Gary Moore, he's looked very exciting but has beaten little of note and, I read, hasn't recorded any extraordinary time figures. I was quite happy to take on Adagio but Paul Nicholls' French import Houx Gris has to be feared as an expensive purchase from a top yard.

1041: Wincanton has picked up the Paddy Power Dipper Novices' Chase which promises to be a relatively straightforward test for the exciting Protektorat.

There's still plenty of interest in how he goes about his work though while Messire des Obeaux impressed in a course handicap from a mark of 138 and, possibly even more intriguing, is Lieutenant Rocco who created quite an impression in defeat to Fusil Raffles at Cheltenham. Another big run from him would boost the winner's credentials as well as his own.

There's a strong supporting card too and, all in all, there's plenty for the racing fan to try and keep an eye on today!

1035: As you'll have seen from the Market Movers page on site, Sky Bet are paying seven places on the Lanzarote which certainly brings one or two of those at longer odds into the equation, especially given all that support for the favourite One True King.

There's a whole host of movers from both Sky Bet and Paddy Power and if you haven't done so already, you can find them via the image above this post.

1022: A McFabulous / Imperial Aura double may appeal to some and both have outstanding claims but I had hopes that we'd see more from Riders Onthe Storm this season and am hopeful that he can put that pretty awful Cheltenham run behind him.

Throw in Clondaw Castle and Master Tommytucker and this is one four-runner race that promises to make for compelling viewing.

I've always liked the Lanzarote as a handicap, partly because the winners tended to have a broadly similar profile, namely a novice that raced on or near the pace. There have been some good winners too with Saphir du Rheu, Tea For Two, Yali Enki, Modus and William Henry all recent scorers. The latter was trained at the time by Nicky Henderson and I thought Glynn had to be very high on the short-list following an encouraging seasonal return at Doncaster on just his second start over hurdles.

I wasn't sufficiently convinced by Everglow's hurdling at Ascot to want to back him at the current prices. At longer prices Dhowin - who ran well at Ascot last time - and Mount Mews - an ageing 10-year-old - made some appeal. The latter, sadly, is included partly because I can't let go of the promise he showed as a youngster but the ability is still there and he's not badly handicapped; I thought he might be ridden more prominently in first time blinkers and could outrun his odds. He's probably best ignored.

1014: There are a couple of races left over from New Year's Day and I didn't think McFabulous (11/10) was a bad price for the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle at Kempton given how well he travelled at Newbury but I'm a sucker for a hype horse. To call him that is probably a little harsh but his trainer has been hoping that he'd develop into a Stayers' Hurdle contender this season and while he still has his stamina to prove for that test, there are no such concerns over this intermediate trip.

1011: As ever in the winter, it's not too long until the show gets on the road but do be mindful to check the full list of non-runners with a number of horses doubly declared with the threat of cancellation hanging over a couple of meetings until this morning. The latest going can also be found here.

1008: Last year Potters Corner beat Truckers Lodge by a little over a length in the Welsh National.

Last year, I'd suggested to someone that they might back Truckers Lodge a day or two before the race but they couldn't remember the name of the horse when it came to raceday and decided I'd told them to back Potters Corner.

It's fair to say that they were more amused about the outcome than I was. Obviously I was happy for them but......!!

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