Paul Nicholls: Exclusive views on my five runners on Welsh Grand National day at Chepstow

Paul Nicholls
27 December 2014

Can Paul score one of the biggest prizes in jumps racing at Chepstow on Saturday?

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Paul has a pair of runners in the Welsh Grand National and a further three at Chepstow on Saturday. Here is the master trainer's verdict on all four...

"I have a feeling that a stamina test in soft ground could prove right up Benvolio's street."

12:55 Chepstow
Minellahalfcentury
Put up a career-best when winning well over course and distance last time, where we tried him in blinkers for the first time. Is 10lb higher here but looks a progressive horse and the fact that he is proven around here in soft ground is an obvious plus. Sean takes 5lb off.

13:55 Chepstow
Old Guard
To be honest, we didn't know what to expect in the testing conditions at Newbury first time up - his Flat form had been on better ground and on the all-weather - but he clearly handled them really well and delighted us when beating Karezak. Was getting 6lb there but to do that first time out was a very pleasing performance, and actually surprised us a bit. I'd like to think that he would have come on for that run and go close here.

14:35 Chepstow
Hawkes Point
Was just touched off in this race last season and, off just a 2lb higher mark, I think that he has a good each-way chance once again. It will come as no surprise to hear that we have targeted him at this race ever since he came back in, and I was happy with his comeback run over 3m earlier in the month. Over a longer trip on softer ground, then he must come into the reckoning. Sean takes 5lb off, and we have put cheekpieces on Hawkes Point to sharpen him up.

Benvolio
Ran a decent race on his comeback in the Badger Ales, and I have a feeling that a stamina test in soft ground could prove right up his street. Is not obviously well-handicapped - in fact, he would be racing off a 3lb lower mark if this race didn't close early - but I think the step up in trip could see him improve. We try him in blinkers because he can race lazily, and any more rain will suit him. There is little between my pair in here.

15:10 Chepstow
Fago
Is capable of very smart form on his day, as he showed when winning over 2m1f in the soft at Haydock last season, but he does have problems with bleeding and has not proved the most consistent. Definitely has the talent to be winning off a mark of 148 but clearly you can't be confident about him. And I think he could just need this, too.

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