Welsh Grand National at Chepstow

Biggest race of the day is the Welsh Grand National at 15.05 CET at Chepstow, a handicap chase over 3 miles 5 1/2 furlongs which is always a very tough race and with 20 runners no exception today. Top-weight Halcon Genelardais (Alan King/ Wayne Hutchinson) won this in 2006 and was just touched off last year by Miko de Beauchene (Sue Alner/ Andrew Thornton); while he can defeat that rival on today´s terms, it seems unlikely that he can concede 20 lbs to his stable companion Nenuphar du Collonges, who is also the choice of the stable jockey Robert Thornton.

The much improved Gypsy George (Tom and Robert Walford) has won 4 of his last 5 races and is a danger to all, but our main fancy is recent Cheltenham winner Mon Mome (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), whose stable is in terrific form. Main supporting feature is the Grade One hurdle for 3yo´s with some very promising types engaged, notably Pepite de Soleil (Paul Nicholls/ Ruby Walsh) and Walkon (King/ "Choc"). The maiden hurdle over 2 1/2 miles at 16.20 also looks interesting. German-bred Peppertree Lane (Peter Bowen/ Seamus Durack) has not convinced with his hurdling technique so far, but he was easily the best of these on the flat and, if he gets his act together, should go well.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Nakai - Hills Of Aran - Pancake
2.Race: Presenting Copper - Herecomesthetruth - Rustarix
3.Race: Oberon Moon - The Wooden Spoon - Maktu
4.Race: Nenuphar Collonges - Mon Mome - Halcon Genelardais
5.Race: Simarian - Pepite de Soleil - Walkon
6.Race: Bai Zhu - Michel Le Bon - King Fontaine
7.Race: Pennellis - Hong Kong Harry - Peveril