It is the festive big field long distance handicap chase over a gruelling 3 miles and 6 furlongs at Chepstow racecourse. Cheltenham Festival and Irish National winner Haiti Couleurs is the class act in the race but carries a big weight and last year’s runner up Jubilee Express leads the market in this competitive betting heat.
We preview the action and check out best bets from our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
The Main Contenders
Jubilee Express
Jubilee Express is the course specialist having finished second in last year’s renewal and recently winning in a trial for this race at Chepstow over 2 miles 7 furlongs.
He is very well handicapped for this second crack and clearly comes here match fit. Best odds at 11/2 with Bet365, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
Rock My Way
This Joe Tizzard trained seven year old comes into this on the back of winning a valuable stayers handicap at Ascot recently as well as finishing second behind the classy Haiti Couleurs in his Cheltenham Festival win. He should have no problem seeing out this gruelling trip although he looks to be weighted to his best. Best odds of 11/2 with Bet365, Betfred and Boylesports.
O’Connell
Mighty consistent horse who has not been out of the frame for over a year. He obliged recently in the London National Handicap Chase at Sandown and is generally versatile over any distances over 3 miles, although Chepstow will be unknown territory. 
Our choice to land this and best odds available is 7/1 with Bet365.
Haiti Couleurs
Haiti Couleurs has experienced a remarkable year under the careful eye of trainer Rebecca Curtis. He won the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in fine style before going on to surprise a few by winning the Irish National.
He looked brutally exposed in his first foray into Grade 1 company in the Haydock Betfair Chase last month, but trainer Curtis has dismissed this run and put a line through it.
The weight allowance for him is daunting and he is going into uncharted territory with the trip, but the left-handed Chepstow should suit. Best odds of 7/1 with William Hill and Boylesports.
Git Maker
Demonstrated his staying credentials with a decent third in the Scottish National last season and looked ok with a run over hurdles recently. He is well handicapped, running under the same mark as the Scottish National run, although others are much preferred and his price does not represent terrific value. Best odds of 15/2 with William Hill.
Mr Vango
Very smart progressive staying chaser who notched up three wins last season including The Midlands Grand National under 12 stone. However, all his wins have come on exceptionally soft to heavy ground so the recent lack of rain will not help.
The Aintree Grand National is the main target. Best odds of 17/2 with William Hill.
Best Outsider Chances
A few entries have excellent chances but have been hit withy tough penalties. Dom Of Mary fits into this category after winning at Newcastle latest (16/1 William Hill) whilst Deafening Silence (18/1 Bet365 and William Hill) for Dan Skelton has run some good races in defeat and is open to improvement.
Hung Jury (25/1 with Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor and Boylesports) ran well behind O’Connell at Sandown and Where It All Began warrants excellent each way support at 33/1 (Bet365, William Hill and Bet Victor) after running well in last year’s renewal until making an error four fences from the finish.
Verdict
A very open and competitive race. Jubilee Express demonstrates a strong liking for the track but needs to overcome a 4ib penalty whilst the highly regarded Rock My Way also needs to perform on a stiff mark. Haiti Couleurs and Mr Vango represent the class acts in the race but similarly need to race off big weights.
Therefore, selecting a horse with consistency and battling qualities whilst racing off a winnable mark would be a prudent option here. O’Connell fits this profile and is our selection to win a first Welsh National for trainers Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith. Where It All Began also for a decent value each way option.
SELECTIONS
O’Connell TO WIN 13/2 with Bet365
Where It All Began EACH WAY 33/1 with Bet365, William Hill and Bet Victor.
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