Chepstow expected to race on Saturday
The officials at Chepstow are pretty confidence that the rearranged Coral Welsh National will go ahead smoothly on the weekend. The big meeting was originally scheduled to be staged on last Thursday, but the administration cancelled it due to the waterlogged
track.
The start of the new week was not good, as the track remained untraceable on Monday. But since the weather forecast is dry throughout the week, the officials are quite hopeful for the improved conditions.
Clerk of the course Keith Ottesen told At The Races: "It was very wet this morning (on Monday) and we've had 35 millimetres since Saturday now. The good news is this is supposed to be the last of the rain for this week and hopefully it's looking pretty much
dry right through to Saturday.”
He continued: "I imagine in two days' time by Wednesday I'll be thinking this isn't too bad and maybe we could go. If it stays dry Thursday and Friday we could be in good shape, albeit heavy ground which is what you expect the Welsh National to be run on
anyway."
The Coral Welsh National Handicap Chase has attracted dozens of entries, but the line-up is likely to squeezed, because if even no more rain comes down, the conditions will stay testing. Stamina is going to be the key this weekend, as the Grade 3 event will
be held over a long distance of three miles, five furlongs and 110 yards.
Across The Bay is likely to get good support following his three magnificent performances this season. The 9-year-old was runner-up in a Listed Race at Aintree, after his two wonderful wins early in the season.
Quartz De Thaix is another impressive horse. The Venetia Williams-trained has also done a great job so far this term, winning two races before finishing second to Master Overseer at Cheltenham last month.
There are several other fascinating runners in the crew. If the surface stays soft, some horses may find things too tricky to handle. Nevertheless, an exciting contest is imminent. The horseracing fans need to keep their fingers crossed until the last moment,
because no one knows how the weather will actually behave.
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