Newcastle
12.20 A decent hurdler, Railway Dillon has been pulled up on both his efforts over fences. He did win at Newcastle over hurdles on soft ground and is worth one more chance to get his act together over fences.
1.55 Devotion to Duty looks a fair each way bet based on his last two runs, at Cheltenham and Bangor. Theologist looks the danger.
Sandown
1.00 The Strawberry One should be suited by the drop back in trip.
2.05 I fancy both Rileyev and All for Free in this. If pushed for a single selection it would be Rileyev as the stable seem to be running into form.
2.35 Magnifique Etoile is unbeaten in 3 starts this season and may still be improving.
3.10 Master of the Hall beat subsequent winner Tamarinbleu at Aintree last month and could just be on a lenient mark. Wymott ran well in the Hennessy but then disappointed at Haydock. It is too soon to write him off however. The Knoxs has a good chance on his hurdles form while Hold on Julio is a course and distance winner and is another that could be ahead of the handicapper. Master of the Hall and Hold on Julio both seem to be going the right way. Despite the fact that he is 3 lbs out of the handicap I am going to take a chance with Hold on Julio.
3.45 Havingotascoobydo will be hard to beat on the evidence of his hurdles form.
Wincanton
2.50 Atouchbetweenacara represents a stable in form and sports first time blinkers. He has come down the weights and at 10/1 is tempting.
From the archives
The Welsh Grand National was first run in 1985 at Cardiff on Easter Monday over a trip of 2.5 miles. The winner was Deerstalker at even money.
My thanks to Emily Russell for the excellent photo.
ahorse 