RAZ De Maree is the sole Irish-trained runner in today’s Coral Welsh National at Chepstow.
Gavin Cromwell’s veteran, who turned 13 on New Year’s Day, finished second to Native River 12 months ago.
Heading the market are Tom George’s Wild West Wind, who won the Trial for the race in early December, and Michael Scudamore’s Mysteree.
Fergal O’Brien’s Chase The Spud, Nicky Henderson’s Beware The Bear and Jack Barber’s Ask The Weatherman are other leading contenders.
Cromwell also sends over Famous Milly to Chepstow for a second time in just over a week when she bids for Grade 1 glory in the rescheduled Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle.
Gavin Cromwell’s charge receives 7lb from her four rivals as the only filly in the line-up and relished the testing conditions when claiming a listed prize at Aintree a month ago.
Tom George feels conditions will be perfect for Wild West Wind in the rearranged Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on Saturday.
Rained off on December 27th, the ground remains extremely testing in Monmouthshire.
George said: “The ground won’t be too soft for him as he loves heavy ground. Probably the fact they have put it back 10 days might be to our advantage as it would have come plenty soon enough after the trial race he won there.
“He is a dour stayer and loves heavy ground. Everything is in his favour, it is just a question of if he is good enough.
Fergal O’Brien’s Midlands National winner Chase The Spud has had the race as his target since Haydock.
“He will love the ground and trip so there are a lot of boxes ticked.
“Michael Scudamore’s horse, Mysteree, who was second behind us at Uttoxeter, has a big pull in the weights with us, but Chase The Spud is in great form,” said O’Brien.
Mysteree is another horse who will not be perturbed by the ground.
Trainer Michael Scudamore, who won the race in 2012 with Monbeg Dude, told At The Races:
“He did his final piece of work on Tuesday morning and seems all primed for the big day. He certainly looks a bit stronger and is working better than ever.”