27/12/23 2:50 Chepstow - The Welsh National

1st Nassalam 6/1 - 65

2nd Truckers Lodge 10/1 - 55

3rd Iwilldoit 15/2 - 50

4th The Galloping Bear 12/1 - 45

4th Complete Unknown 15/2 - 45

This is really a tight race but we have on horse who comes out top. Nassalam has never gone this far but has shaped as an out and out stayer, i have based this on heavy ground because there is a lot of rain predicted to fall, and this boy is 1, 4, 1 on heavy. He won at Chepstow last time out as well, in the Welsh National Trial, with Wayfinder well held in 2nd. Iwilldoit and Secret Reprieve done the double in 2021 & 2022 so it could be a good route in. Definitely one to watch. He also has blinkers back on and he is 2/2 in them.

Truckers Lodge will love heavy going and is an out and out stayer. He is on the same mark as last year when he came 4th. He will still be going at the end. 

Iwilldoit wont he Welsh National in 2021 after winning the Trial. He is now 13lb higher in the handicap which will make his life a lot harder. He wont mind it being soft and has won on heavy so the rain wont be an issue. He has big claims.

The Galloping Bear might throw up a suprise as has had a wind op and has a visor on for the first time. He was 2nd in the Eider so he stays well. He is 2/2 on heavy.  He is only 5lb higher for his 2nd in the Eider. He is very interesting for me, I wouldnt discount him, he is also pretty unexposed for a 10 year old. 

Complete Unknown is another who wont mind the ground if it rains a lot. He hasnt been this far though which is the question mark, but my concern is, he has to carry 11st 13lb. I willdo it has a claimer taking 7lb off him. If its heavy, it will not be easy. He is a classy horse though and was 2nd in the Grade 1 Mildmay. 

My Selection: Nassalam 6/1