Giles Cross to bring back the Coral Welsh National for the trainer, Victor Dartnall
The Coral Welsh National has become the focal point for quite a few stables who are aiming for at least the frame of the first three. At the top of the list is trainer, Victor Dartnall, whose eleven-year-old bay gelding, Giles Cross, has qualified as the runner-up in the last two editions of the race. The trainer wants the success of his under charge to simmer down the emotional drain of closing down the stable and he wants a celebrating start to the year 2013.
For now, the trainer has set the focus on the Exeter card so as to divert his mind from the bombshell of closing down of his yard. For the remainder of the week, he has Giles Cross’ performance to look forward to.
Saddlers’ Hall’s bay gelding missed the Grade 3 event on 8th January, 2011 at Chepstow by 2 ¾ lengths. The race was won by the Jonjo O’Neill trained, Synchronised.
The losing margin in the very next edition of the race was more massive than before as Le Beau Bai defeated him by seven lengths.
The trainer said on Monday: "While it would have been ideal to get a run into Giles Cross beforehand, it wasn't possible, but he has done a lot of work and I'm pleased with him. He has won first time out in the past."
He added: "He's a good horse and I don't know why he's 12-1."
He will need to look out for Rebecca Curtis trained, Teaforthree, who also has all the chances set for making an everlasting impact on the outcome of the race.
The trainer ended the Boxing Day with three runner-up positions.
"It would be wonderful if we could secure a Welsh victory in the country's biggest race," Curtis said.
The highly uncertain weather condition and the consequent doubts about the ground conditions have the connections on the edge of their seats.
The clerk of the race course, Keith Ottesen, said:
"While it was disappointing to get another downpour today of around 15mm, it is expected to remain dry from now on and if that's the case we should be raceable by Thursday morning."
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