GERICAULT ROQUE looks a Christmas cracker in the Coral Welsh Grand National.
I’m a big fan of David Pipe’s stayer who always gives his all and keeps hitting the frame in high-class races.
Templegate thinks Gericault Roque has what it takes to win the big race on December 27
His latest outing saw him run an absolute belter in the Coral Gold Cup – which many still know as the Hennessy.
He was close to the pace right through the race and may have paid the price for that before keeping on well for a comfortable third.
He looks the type who will keep producing more over this marathon trip and, as this is an early closing race, he runs off the same mark as that excellent Newbury effort.
Most bookies are going 10-1 for Chepstow on December 27 and that looks more than fair.
Ashdown Lad would be interesting if turning up here after his impressive success in the Becher Chase at Aintree earlier this month.
He saw out 3m2f well there and has improved and matured further since his poor run in the Scottish Grand National.
A trip back to Aintree in April is the plan and he should be high enough in the weights to get in now, although connections may throw him in here just to make sure.
He’d be a lot shorter than the current 16-1 if lining up on the day.
Escaria Ten is another who looks worth a little each-way tickle in the race the bookies will pay extra places.
He came back from eight months off to run well when second in a Thurles Listed contest on December 1.
That trip is very much on the short side for him as he showed when a solid ninth in the Grand National at Aintree.
You may say he didn’t stay the trip but he took a very wide route, which didn’t help his chances, and he was bang in contention until the closing stages.
At 16-1 he could easily bag a place here.
Templegate’s tip
Gericault Roque in the Welsh Grand National – 10-1
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/matt-chapman-jockeys-might-consider-strike-action-in-row-over-new-whip-rules-they-must-unite-and-save-our-sport/
