Victor Dartnall is hoping Giles Cross can give his Barnstaple team something to cheer about by ending the year on a high in the Coral Welsh National.

The Devon trainer had to shut up shop due to an outbreak of equine herpes last month, but the stable is back up and running, and all roads lead to Chepstow on December 27 for Giles Cross as he attempts to go one better than he has done in the last two renewals.

"He's in great form and he's on course for the Welsh National," Dartnall said.

"He should get his conditions if it carries on like this. It would be ideal.

"If it's been heavy at Cheltenham this weekend then it's sure to be heavy at Chepstow.

"It would be a great way to end the year."

Giles Cross put up a career-best performance to claim the scalp of subsequent Aintree hero Neptune Collonges in the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock in February, but could not repeat that display on the big day itself and was pulled up.

13 May 2013

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11 May 2013

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10 May 2013

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