The Coral Welsh National is the focus of our ace tipster’s form study and he fancies Jonjo and AJ O’Neill to land the spoils at Chepstow and has two other selections
Jonjo O’Neill has a great chance of adding a third Coral Welsh Grand National to his big-race collection. His COLLECTORS ITEM (2.50) has just what it takes to land the prestigious Chepstow marathon.
He made an excellent return to action when runner-up in the Welsh National Trial at this track three weeks ago. That does give him ground to make up on likely favourite Jubilee Express but there are reasons to think he can reverse the form. The winner had already run this season and the race came at a time when O’Neill had only recently started having runners after shutting up shop due to issues at his Cotswolds base.
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The stable is in much better form now and the step up from 3m to 3m5f will suit strong-staying Collectors Item. Have 1pt each-way at 11-1. Several bookies are paying out on six places.
ROYAL RAMBLER (2.10) has looked full of stamina. He steps up to 3m for the first time and he should love this test of stamina.
That impression is very much backed up by his pedigree and he should be spot on after two starts over shorter trips this season.
There’s been a fair bit of promise in both those runs in competitive handicaps at Cheltenham and Newbury, but he’s just not been quick enough to force his way into contention at the finish.
It should be a different story now Emma Lavelle’s runner faces a stiffer test of stamina. Have 1pt each-way at 10-1. Sky Bet is offering four places.
There’s a decent card at Kempton to end the track’s Christmas meeting where AUDACIOUS ANNIE (1.20) looks to hold excellent claims. She won back-to-back novices’ hurdles at Wetherby and Warwick on good ground in the spring.
Following a slow start to this season, she returned to form when runner-up at Warwick last month. A mistake at the last cost her that day and today’s faster ground conditions will suit Jamie Snowden’s mare.
She tackles 3m for the first time and several of her siblings won over staying distances. Have 1pt each-way at 15-2. Sky Bet is going four places.
