2010 Form Guide

Welsh Grand National Form Guide 2010

Dream Alliance

Last year's Welsh Grand National will be back in 2010 ready to defend his crown and not without a chance based on last years performance. Since that win however he has failed to finish a race in three starts, included in this was him being pulled up at Aintree in the Grand National and again being pulled up on his only start so far this campaign. That was in the Hennessy Gold Cup last month so on form he may struggle to repeat his success from last season, on top of that is a hike in the weights from last season and he looks an unlikely winner in 2010.

Maktu

The Pat Murphy horse looks like running a big race for connections at Cheptsow following a good run on seasonal debut last month at Haydock where he come in second behind King Fontaine. He will come on for the run at haydock and off of a nice weight he looks to be one to watch ahead of the Welsh National, Maktu has a good record around Chepstow and should have no problem with the trip so cannot be ignored with only his class open to question.

Watamu Bay

Paul Nicholls looks like having Watamu Bay in top order for Chepstow on Monday and he has to be a serious threat based on recent form. He won twice last month at Exeter on soft ground and will come into the reckoning here if he continues to improve, carrying a big weight but at this stage could be anything so worth real consideration on Monday. The ground should suit which will be a plus but may need to improve to win in this company, Nicholls will have him ready though and is the first string here for the Champion Trainer.

Synchronised

Used to racing in top class company for Jonjo O'Neill so does stand out in this field, especially with his brilliant Midlands National Win under his belt at Uttoxeter in March. That was over 4 miles so is a proven dour stayer and he could give AP McCoy the chance to win his first ever Welsh National if the Champ is at Chepstow over Christmas. He was last seen at Cheltenham in November when an encouraging 6th place in the CITIPOST Handicap Chase, he was staying on well that day and it looked the ideal prep ahead of the Welsh National and likely to start the favourite on Saturday.

Dance Island

Dance Island looks to have a nice chance in the Welsh National on Saturday for trainer Ben Case, he looks to have been given a reaosnable weight from the handicapper and should be in the frame if he puts his best foot forward. We last saw him in November when second in the Betfair.com Handicap Chase over 3 miles on good ground. It was an encouraging run for connections and Dance Island looks to have no problems with the trip making him a live contender this weekend.

Silver By Nature

Second in last year's race behind Dream Alliance so has to be taken seriously on that form, the Lucinda Russell horse is a real contender again but has to saddle top weight of 11st 12lbs so may find it tough to win. We saw him last month in the Hennessy Gold Cup when 10th and last of the finishers so is used to running in high class handicaps and should come on for the run at Newbury. We know he acts around Chepstow which is a plus for him but looks like one for the each-way shortlist with the weight likely to prove too much for the win.