'It's been the plan for the last 12 months' - Win My Wings set for Charlie Hall

Christian Williams' reputation as a shrewd target trainer will come under the microscope this weekend when Win My Wings, the star of his picturesque Glamorgan stable, lines up in Wetherby's bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (3.35).

The nine-year-old, who runs in the colours of Sue Howell, made giant strides last season and a January victory at Exeter was followed by success in the Eider and an impressive triumph in the Scottish Grand National.

Williams has a notable record when it comes to preparing horses for the big day, with Potters Corner landing the Welsh and Midlands Grand Nationals, and Cap Du Nord striking in a valuable Grade 3 at Kempton in February.

Win My Wings is entered in Saturday's Bateaux London Gold Cup at Ascot, but the same afternoon's Charlie Hall is the preferred target, which is no surprise given how long the trainer has had it in mind.

Win My Wings: rose rapidly up the handicap last seasonCredit: Ian MacNicol (Getty Images)

"She's going to the Charlie Hall," Williams said. "That's been the plan for the last 12 months.

"We entered at Ascot in case Wetherby went heavy. If it had been heavy and Ascot had been good ground we'd have been there because she wants nice ground, but the Charlie Hall has always been the starting point.

"Dan Skelton's horse [Shan Blue] who was going to go to the Charlie Hall has dropped out already and I'm sure a few others will drop out too."

Win My Wings, a 10-1 shot for the Charlie Hall, was rated 133 at the start of last season and was racing off 154 when she fell in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown in April.

Williams added: "She seems very well after the break. My brother Nicky rides her every day and he's very happy with her. It'll be tough, though, especially if everyone turns up.

"After what she did last year in handicaps she deserves her chance to run in a level-weights race – just to see where we stand. She looks to be improving all the time as she showed last season."

Charlie Hall Chase (3.35 Saturday, Wetherby)

bet365: 6-5 Bravemansgame, 5-2 Ahoy Senor, 11-2 Eldorado Allen, 10 Dashel Drasher, Secret Investor, 16 Win My Wings, Good Boy Bobby, Sam Brown, 66 Paint The Dream, Some Chaos

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