Welsh Grand National Tips – Copybet
The Welsh Grand National is one of the major festive races in Britain and commands top billing on Saturday afternoon as the field tackles the marathon three-and-three-quarter-mile trip around the Monmouthshire layout.
Our expert has provided his top three bets for the big race.
Haiti Couleurs – Chepstow
Winner of the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse back in the spring, the Rebecca Curtis-trained Haiti Couleurs is fancied to double his tally by adding the Welsh version for the handler based in Newport.
He made a winning comeback over hurdles at Newbury and was then assigned a Grade 1 challenge in Haydock's Betfair Chase in November.
He ran well below expectations but Curtis revealed an underlying issue, for which he's been treated since, was at play there and she insists he can be the 'class horse in the race' despite a hefty 11st 13lb burden.
Sean Bowen continues his partnership with Haiti Couleurs and the champion jockey will be desperate for big-race success after his pocket was picked on Banbridge in the King George on Friday.
This marathon trip clearly suits Haiti Couleurs, also the winner of the National Hunt Cup at Cheltenham last season, and he can get back on track.
Collectors Item – Chepstow
Collectors Item took the silver medal in the Welsh National Trial here behind Jubilee Express at the start of the month.
The pair were miles clear of everything else and the Sam Thomas-trained winner made every yard of the running and stuck to his guns dourly in the final stages.
The Jonjo & AJ O'Neill-trained runner-up is 4lb better off now and has the benefit of that run, while Jubilee Express had enjoyed the benefit of a prep run at Cheltenham's November Meeting before winning here.
This eight-year-old was second to Mr Vango in the London National last season and while he's sometimes a hit-and-miss character, he looks to be on a fair mark and will surely be in the mix for a yard that has started to find winners again after a quiet spell.
Livin On Luco – Chepstow
Philip Hobbs & Johnson White are rolling the dice with last month's Southern National winner Livin On Luco here. He likes to be fresh and was having his first run since March when winning the Fontwell marathon.
He was ridden forcefully by Callum Pritchard in that race and most of their 10 rivals were flailing from some way out, with the rider looking over his shoulder for non-existent dangers jumping two out.
He eased up late on, allowing Neo King to get close as the line loomed, but perhaps Livin On Luco had more up his sleeve.
This is a more demanding task but he's only had five starts over fences and is far from exposed. A 7lb rise for the Fontwell win looks entirely fair and this young horse can outrun a big price.