Well Refreshed gets green light for Coral Welsh National bid

The market for the Coral Welsh National is starting to sort itself out after running plans were revealed for several of the leading fancies. The most significant mover in recent days has been Gary Moore’s Well Refreshed who caught the eye when an excellent third in the London National at Sandown.

The gelding revelled in the heavy ground last season when winning the Sussex National at Plumpton by a staggering 28 lengths. He was just as impressive at Haydock when he won the Grand National Trial despite a last-fence blunder.

He can take a few liberties with his fences and was again at fault on his most recent start at Sandown. It was still a fine effort to finish less than 3 lengths behind There’s No Panic and he should be perfectly suited by Chepstow.

Scottish Trainer Lucinda Russell will leave a decision on the participation of both Silver By Nature and Nuts N Bolts until as late as possible. Silver By Nature was runner-up in the Welsh National back in 2009 but has been beset by injury problems since.

The grey made a fine return to action when chasing home the impressive Sydney Paget at Haydock but could go for the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown. Nuts N Bolts was a game winner on the same Haydock card but the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby is among his alternative engagements.

Sydney Paget has been among the market leaders since winning at the Lancashire track but trainer Donald McCain is currently favouring the Tommy Whittle Chase over the same course this weekend. One horse that will be at Chepstow is last season’s runner-up Teaforthree who also ran a fine race when third in the Grand National in April.

Rebecca Curtis has confirmed that he is likely to make his seasonal debut at Chepstow with Aintree his long-term objective. Goonyella remains the 8-1 clear favourite with Highland Lodge on 10-1.

Corals have confirmed that they will continue to sponsor the race for another five years.