Chase The Spud to Wales for Grand National
– Chase The Spud's mix of stamina and jumping can see him land the spoils in the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow today.
Fergal O'Brien's gelding has a proven record in the marathon staying handicap department, having ground out victory in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March.
After a well-earned long summer off, Chase The Spud made his seasonal reappearance a month ago at Haydock on heavy ground.
He had to display more courage and determination to beat Robinsfirth by six lengths, with 24 lengths back to the third horse, Cloudy Too.
Inevitably, Chase The Spud has gone up in the ratings again, but has the right attributes to cope with a big weight and when conditions demand it.
London
Mercenaire can give trainer Nick Williams a third success in the Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle.
The Devon handler saddled Me Voici to take this Grade 1 in 2009 and Le Rocher struck in 2013.
He has found another suitable contender in Mercenaire, who was impressive when making most of the running to score by 25 lengths at Exeter last month.
The expected testing terrain should hold no fears for No Hassle Hoff in the Coral Bet 5 Get 20 Handicap Hurdle.
The five-year-old, trained by Dan Skelton, was not disgraced when fourth to emerging staying star Sam Spinner in a hot contest at Haydock and does not face such exalted company this time.
Politologue completed his transition to leading 3200m contestant when outpointing Fox Norton in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown.
And today he can follow up that success in the Unibet Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.
Trainer Paul Nicholls is happy for John Hales' grey to take in this Grade 2 contest and it looks a golden opportunity judged on his latest effort.
Shantou Rock can bounce back from defeat on his latest start to land the 32Red.com Wayward Lad Novices' Chase.
The five-year-old, from the allconquering Skelton stable, charge suffered a surprise reverse at odds-on when beaten by Ozzie The Oscar in a four-horse affair at Warwick.
He is given another chance as he had won nicely at Newton Abbot in October and his form is as good as any in this field.
Midnight Tune can take the 32Red Casino Mares' Handicap Hurdle for Anthony Honeyball,
This follows a confidence-boosting first win over jumps at Wincanton earlier in the month.
At Wetherby, Duke Of Navan is fancied to make amends for an early exit at Newbury last time out with a clear round in the 188Bet Castleford Handicap Chase.
The Nicky Richards-trained nineyear-old had made an encouraging reappearance when a close third to Baby King at Aintree. –