It could be previous winners that flourish again when the re-arranged chase takes place at Chepstow on Saturday
Chepstow hosts the rearranged Welsh Grand National on Saturday and, as always, it is set to be an extreme test of stamina.
For this reason it could be worth having some proven stayers on side.
No horses in the field are more so than previous winners Emperor’s Choice and Mountainous.
Selection goes to Emperor’s Choice, who bids to make it back to back successes. He is priced at 10/1 to do so.
He won last season’s renewal on heavy ground and conditions look set to be just as testing this time around.
The conditions should not pose an issue for this stern stayer who has plenty of wins on heavy going.
Emperor’s Choice comes into the race in good form after winning on his reappearance at Haydock. This is very positive with last time out winners having a good record in the race.
Main danger could come from another winner in the form of Mountainous, who is also priced up at 8/1.
He won the 2013 renewal off a five lbs higher mark than he will run off on Saturday. He performed well last time out which should put him exactly right for Saturday.
The final one of note is Cogry, who can be backed at 15/2. His stamina should be assured after competing in the four miler at the Cheltenham Festival.
He is a previous winner at Chepstow which should hold him in good stead for Saturday.
Nicholls hot steak set to continue in Lanzarote Hurdle
Paul Nicholls’ form has been questioned recently, but those worries should be dismissed after he recorded a treble on Friday at Doncaster.
This streak could continue with Ibis Du Rheu in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton. He seems to hold a great chance.
He has only had three starts in Britain and could still have plenty of progression left in him. He stepped up on previous efforts last time out when only going down by a head.
His main rival could be the Nicky Henderson-trained Bivouac, who was a winner last time out in a decent handicap at Huntingdon.
His lifetime record is an impressive four wins from eight starts, which includes a win at Kempton. He should have every chance and is sure to go well.
A final one to consider is Unowhatimeanharry, who is seeking his fourth consecutive win this season. He has been a revelation since making the switch to Harry Fry’s stable in the summer.
He chances are helped by his jockey’s 7lb claim which could help offset his rapid rise through the handicap. He seems in great form but it could be a hard task to complete the four timer in such a competitive race.
Kruzhlinin set to make winning stable debut in Kempton 3:10
Kruzhlinin runs for the Phillip Hobbs stable for the first time on Saturday and the stable could hardly be in better form.
He should have a great chance if ready to show his best on his first start since February. He was a multiple time winner for previous trainer Donald McCain and also competed in some of the top races including the Grand National.
Kruzhlinin makes his return off his last winning mark which he is more than capable of winning off again.
His main competition could be Shangani, who looked set to go close last time out before slipping up on the home bend.
He made a good seasonal reappearance but has been unable to build on it after failing to complete twice. Given a safe round this time he could go very close.
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