Ground set to suit the mudlarks at Chepstow, Kempton and Leopardstown

The Coral Welsh National is one of jump racing's sternest tests and this year's running shapes to be no different with the going at Chepstow this morning confirmed as heavy, soft in places.

A field of 17 go to post for the historic handicap, with last year's winner Elegant Escape remaining solid at the head of the market overnight at 7-2 with most firms.

Light showers are expected to move away from South Wales this morning and an overcast day is expected for a card which also features the Grade 1 Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle (1.35).

A damp and chilly start at Chepstow

The going for the second day of Kempton's Christmas festival is described as soft, heavy in places.

Clerk of the course Barney Clifford said on Friday morning: "I'm walking now and it is as it was, soft, heavy on the bend adjacent to the lake – and that's the only spot where it's heavy.

"It's probably slightly better than soft in other places. It's gone back well overnight and we've a dry forecast."

Grade 2 action highlights the card, with two-mile chasers young and old set to take centre stage in the Wayward Lad Novices' Chase (1.20) and the Desert Orchid Chase (2.30).

Chacun Pour Soi is set to make his return to action in the Grade 1 Paddy Rewards Club "Loyalty Is Dead, Live For Rewards" Chase (1.10) at Leopardstown, where the going is soft, yielding in places on the chase course.

The going on the hurdles track if soft, soft to heavy in places.

The remainder of the action today comes from Wetherby (soft), Limerick (heavy) and on the all-weather at Wolverhampton.

Non-runners

Chepstow

12.30: 15 Witchdoctor
1.35: 5 I Like Him
3.55: 7 The Rosary Flyer, 8 Wildfire Warrior

Kempton

12.45: 3 Hydroplane
3.05: 12 Fingerontheswitch
3.35: 1 French Crusader, 5 Golden Taipan

Leopardstown

12.05: 13 Soloheadbeg
2.20: 21 Ena Bai

Market Movers

Springtown Lake1.05 Chepstow
4-1 (from 5-1)

Elysian Flame 1.35 Chepstow
13-2 (from 8-1)

Acey Milan 2.10 Chepstow
2-1 (from 9-4)

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