Flyer can end Welsh famine

WELSH trainers have traditionally had a modest record in the Coral Welsh Grand National but Evan Williams could end a barren run for those from across the Severn Bridge today.

FIREBIRD FLYER (Chepstow, 2.40) came close to spoiling an emotional second victory in the race for course favourite Mountainous 12 months ago and could go one better this afternoon. The selection, winner of the Midlands National in March, caught the eye on his comeback at Haydock last month when runner-up to a resurgent Three Faces West and, with his conqueror going on to score again handsomely at Newbury, the form looks strong. Firebird Flyer will not be inconvenienced if conditions worsen and he was arguably unlucky not to finish closer last year as he was hampered early in the race when stablemate Allez Viv unseated his rider. Adam Wedge (right) has built a good relationship with the nine-year-old and their figures together when completing read a highly respectable 142133212, while the stats for the selection over marathon trips are also impressive (2U21). With five winners in the past 10 days, the Williams team have been in good form and his representative is hopefully primed to run a huge race. Ante-post favourite Native River looks tailor-made for a gruelling test like today’s event and he is very much respected even if he underwent a stiff examination in landing the Hennessy. The Tizzard stable continues to carry all before them and he can’t be written off even if this represents a huge task.