Tidal Bay tops Welsh National twenty

Tidal Bay heads a maximum field of 20 runners in the Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on Saturday.

Paul Nicholls' veteran proved his aptitude for marathon distances when winning the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April 2012 and went on to prove he could still mix it with the best around when victorious in the Lexus Chase in Ireland last Christmas.

Despite turning 13 in just a few days, he reappeared with a win over hurdles at Wetherby, but did not find the Betfair Chase at Haydock enough of a stamina test.

Nicholls believes the return to a marathon distance will be right up Tidal Bay's street.

He said: "Tidal Bay won the bet365 at Sandown over three-miles-five on very heavy ground. You can take your time with him and he has a touch of class."

Nicholls has a second string to his bow in Hawkes Point, but he has only had 10 runs in his life.

The Ditcheat handler went on: "Hawkes Point ran very well at Chepstow last time. We've thought he would stay marathon trips for a while."

Well Refreshed has always looked an ideal candidate for this type of race since winning the Grand National Trial at Haydock last season. He returned to form when third at Sandown last time out and the presence of Tidal Bay means he carries only 10st 2lb.

Trainer Gary Moore said: "He seems in good form and he must have a good chance. He's got a lovely racing weight as far as I'm concerned. As long as he jumps a bit better than he did at Sandown he must have some sort of chance."

Jonjo O'Neill's Merry King is only six, but ran a cracker in the Hennessy to finish fifth. The trainer said: "Merry King is in good form. He ran a nice race in the Hennessy. He came there well but when they quickened up, he couldn't go with them."

Stablemate Alfie Sherrin was not declared.

Goonyella is the sole Irish raider, and the Jim Dreaper trained gelding will be ridden by Andrew Lynch.