A quality day of national hunt action lies ahead and it is one of my favourite weekends of the winter. It's Welsh Grand National trial day at Chepstow and although my selection isn't actually running in that race, he is indeed facing his own trial for the Welsh National. SPRINGFIELD FOX is a really interesting runner in the opening novice hurdle and although he is clearly here for a prep run ahead of his run here over Christmas I think he can win. The favourite has only ran once under rules and won very easily here over shorter. The form isn't great and the clock watchers will tell you it wasn't anything out of the ordinary so I'm happy to take him on. The outside of the three is likely to need the run after missing all of last year so that leaves you with the tried and tested Springfield Fox. He will love the ground, he is the the one they have to beat and I don't think he would have to be fully fit to take this.
I mentioned earlier this is one of my favourite weekends of the winter and that is because of the Becher & Sefton chases at Aintree. As a punter you have such an edge in these races as you know only certain horses take to the national fences so it does narrow the field down dramatically. I boast a pretty good record in both races as well and it all started with Hello Bud in 2012. This year I have one big fancy in the Sefton and it is SAMETEGAL for the Paul Nicholls yard who boast a fine record themselves in this race. Sametegal is an ultra consistent horse who always runs his race, hence why he gets no relief from the handicapper. He has been in good form this year, just failing to see out the stiff 3 miles at Sandown last time out. The drop back to 2m 5f should suit and the soft ground won't bother him either. He ran in this race 3 years ago, his only try over the national fences, and finished a gallant third as he and Gas Line Boy and Ultragold, two Aintree legends, pulled well clear of the remainder. I'm expecting a bold show today.
Chepstow 12.12 – Springfield Fox
Aintree 3.15 – Sametegal
