Hold The Note – An unfortunate non-finisher in this race last year, Mick Channon’s horse looked certain to go close when badly hampered. Still unable to get his head in front, he remains a novice for this term and although he hasn’t been seen to best effect over 3 miles this term I do believe he can bounce back to form over this trip. I’m not convinced it is that good a renewal and I hope this son of Jeremy can get Boxing day off to a great start.
One For The Team – I think this horse is massively overpriced in an open race. It’s very easy to be drawn into the ones at the top of the market such as Shan Blue and The Big Breakaway but I’m not entirely convinced with either. Nick Williams unexposed novice ran a blinder last time out at Newbury when only the classy Next Destination outstayed him at Newbury. At 14/1 he looks the bet in an open race where he should be suited by the demands of the race.
Silver Streak – Probably the most solid each way bet of the whole Christmas period. Evan Williams admirable grey always runs his race and in my personal opinion I do think he is improving. He was mighty unfortunate last time out when the dolled down hurdles did him no favours at all. He is one of the best hurdlers this side of the Irish Sea that is for sure and if the mare fluffs her lines then this lad will pick up the pieces.
Real Steel – Ever since this horse was transferred to Paul Nicholls‘ care I have had him shortlisted for this race. The way he travelled into the Gold Cup was certainly eye-catching and although he didn’t stay the extended 3 mile trip in the Gold Cup, I’m pretty sure he will enjoy the easy 3 mile trip here. He will have his work cut out to get past his stablemates but if they don’t fire I think he could pick up the pieces.
Tel’art – A speculative selection but one who could reward each way backers at a wild price. He ran a good race at Cheltenham when bumping into a few well handicapped rivals but it looked as though he didn’t quite stay over three miles here last time. He will appreciate the step back down to 2m 5f and he will also appreciate running off a lower weight. He could surprise a few.
Top Man – In the same race as the above I think Chris Gordon’s horse could run a good race also. He hasn’t had the best of luck over fences recently and the switch back to hurdles off a lower mark could be the key to him. He has some decent hurdle form in the book and around this track so with that in mind it’s hard to not fancy him at 25/1.
Kilbrook – Probably the shortest priced horse I will be backing over the Christmas period is Jonjo O’Neill’s young novice who gets pitched into a handicap off what could be a lenient opening mark of 122. A big eye catcher on rules debut when runner up in a Chepstow bumper he had been off the track since his Newbury novice hurdle last November. He reappeared in October when a solid second in a good race here at Wetherby. He has been off since so he must not be the easiest to train but if he’s ready to roll I think he could easily be at least 10lb well in.
Lord Du Mesnil – The first of two picks in the Welsh National is Richard Hobson’s mud lover who should be in his element in these conditions. He racked up a few victories at Haydock last year over marathon trips in heavy ground so he is guaranteed to love these conditions which is a big plus. His second placed effort at the Cheltenham festival showed he can do it at a track other than Haydock so his overall profile certainly looks like one which suits this race being a second season chaser with a touch of class. It looks like he has had his season so far tailored around this race and at 25/1 he looks a belting bet.
Bobo Mac – Tom Symonds has had a scintillating first half to the Jumps season and a Welsh National win really would put the icing on the cake. He has a chance I think with Bobo Mac who caught my eye when staying on nicely in the trial race here earlier in the month. The jumping errors which had earlier blighted his chase career have apparently been corrected and I think he could outrun his odds.
