14:40 Chepstow
Tuesday 27 December 2016
All12:2012:5013:2514:0014:4015:1515:50
Coral Welsh Grand National (Grade 3 Handicap Chase)
- 4YO plus  |  Class 1  |  3m 5f 110y  |  Soft (Good to Soft in places)  |  20 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 14:40Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 7m 52.70s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Top weight and a consistent performer from a stable with some of the best chasers around, though their record is not good over these fences. Won the Hennessy last month on second start of the season and the front two were five lengths clear of the third. Runs off the same mark again and there's no foreseeable reason he won't be at the business end.
Out and out stayer who is back on a winning mark of 141 (has won off 3lb more). Distance not a problem but may want it softer as best performance came on bottomless ground at Haydock.
Former Irish-trained chaser who has been stepped up in trip in two runs for current yard. Won a Grade 3 at Cheltenham but then disappointed in the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences which may not have suited. A possible outsider in a first test of this marathon trip.
Pulled-up when last seen but not without a hope if returning to his very best form and his trainer has won this twice. May want softer ground that what he's likely to encounter today.
Took a Class 1 at Cheltenham earlier this month after being 17 lengths behind Native River in the Hennessy for which he is 4lb worse off. Shouldn't logically beat his Newbury conqueror here.
Won the Scottish Grand National under 11st 3lbs last April and looked a particularly good young stayer in doing so. Was behind when fell in the Hennessy but represents a top trainer/jockey combination and could easily figure.
Has been off the track for two years and his best for has been on heavy ground so not an obvious candidate.
His jumping can let him down at times and considering he's never won over this far, probably wants softer ground and has failed to win off a mark this high, others have strong claims.
Arguably unlucky to finish second to Native River in the Hennessey last time out, finishing fastest of all and has leading claims on that form. Versatile ground wise and must have a good chance of gaining compensation for his Hennessy defeat.
On a winning mark but all but two of his races have been in small fields and this affair may not suit him. Ground should be ideal and still likely to have plenty of improvement to come.
Proven at the distance but winning mark below this and no obvious improvement expected.
Never successful when stepped up to this class and might be at a shorter price than warranted due to stable.
Has been stepping up in trip but mark of 143 far too high on all known evidence.
Wears cheekpieces for the first time but mark surely too high and ground unlikely to be soft enough.
An out-and-out stayer for whom the ground may not be testing enough.
One of the improvers at the distance as evidenced by his victory over Milansbar at Uttoxeter. Would appreciate some rain but trainer and jockey have a poor record over fences here.
Genuine horse who usually gives his running but holds no secrets from the handicapper and hard to fancy for this kind of affair.
Would be a remarkable training feat to get this one to win after three and a half years off the track and stable look to have stronger claims with their other runner in the race.
Irish trained veteran who came in a distant eighth in the 2014 Grand National and it is hard to see him doing any better here.
Atthractive trainer/jockey combination but was pulled-up in this last year and appears to be a genuine mudlark.
Forecasts
Native River (11/4), Carole's Destrier (6/1), Onenightinvienna (13/2), Firebird Flyer (10/1), Vicente (12/1), Unioniste (12/1), Theatre Guide (16/1), Bishops Road (16/1), Milansbar (16/1), Viconte Du Noyer (20/1), Baie Des Iles (25/1), Mountainous (25/1), Raz De Maree (33/1), Houblon Des Obeaux (33/1), Beg To Differ (33/1), Royale Knight (33/1), Katkeau (33/1), Emperor's Choice (33/1), Goulanes (33/1), Harry Topper (40/1)
CAROLE'S DESTRIER and the younger Native River may very well fight out the finish again, just as they did in the Hennessy, but with the former reversing the placings. Cheltenham winner Theatre Guide and the well handicapped Onenightinvienna are two other improvers who can follow them home.
1. Carole's Destrier
2. Native River
3. Theatre Guide
Prize Money
1st: £85,425.002nd: £32,055.003rd: £16,050.004th: £7,995.005th: £4,020.006th: £2,010.00
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