Victor Dartnall is hoping Giles Cross can overcome the lack of a prep run when he tries to win the Coral Welsh National at the third attempt at Chepstow on Saturday.

The 11-year-old has been runner-up in the last two renewals of the valuable handicap chase and had made one previous racecourse appearance the same season on both occasions, but with Dartnall's North Devon stables having closed for a few weeks due to an outbreak of equine herpes, Giles Cross goes straight to Chepstow for his first run of the campaign.

Dartnall said: "He seems very well. It would have been great for him to have had a prep run - he hasn't had one, but he's had a lot of work. It should be his ground."

Jadanli is another who enjoys plenty of cut in the ground and his trainer Paul Gilligan has had this race in mind for some time.

Winner of the Grade One Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in 2010, Jadanli has had three runs in the last couple of months on his return since he finished third in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran last January.

"That's the plan, we intend going. Our horse will love the ground. I've been setting him aside all year for this race and hopefully now he might get into the money there," said the Athenry handler.

"I'm happy with him and he should run well. At the moment Alain Cawley rides him, all being well. He's doing well across the water and he's local to me here at home."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests