Welsh Grand National plunge on Iwilldoit as Chepstow ground softens

Iwilldoit is vying for favouritism for the Coral Welsh Grand National (2.50) after an overnight plunge gathered pace on Monday morning.

The Sam Thomas-trained eight-year-old has been cut to a best-priced 7-1 (from 12-1) and is 6-1 joint-favourite with many firms alongside last year's winner Secret Reprieve.

Selected by Pricewise in the Racing Post, Iwilldoit enjoyed the perfect warm up by winning the Welsh Grand National Trial at the course by 24 lengths.

Secret Reprieve, making his first appearance since winning last season's rescheduled showpiece in January, had been an early morning market positive but has been pushed out to 6-1 (from 4).

Venetia Williams-trained pair Hold That Taught (9-1 from 11) and Achille (14-1 from 25) have attracted support, while Irish raider The Big Dog (8-1 from 7) and Highland Hunter (11-1 from 8) have proved easy to back.

Other market movers

Chepstow
1.05 When You're Ready 9-4 (from 3)
2.10 Take Your Time 7-4 (from 2)

Kempton
1.55 Bourbon Beauty 7-1 (from 10)
3.05 Fortescue9-2 (from 15-2); Real Steel6-1 (from 8)

Limerick
2.05 Eric Bloodaxe 6-4 (from 9-4)

Going change at Chepstow after Monday rain

The ground at Chepstow has been eased to soft, heavy in places (from soft) after 6.5mm of rain on Monday morning.

The rain is expected to ease by midday with brighter intervals in the afternoon.

The going at Kempton, where Shishkin tops the bill in the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase (2.30), is soft with 5-10mm of rain forecast from 10am.

Chacun Pour Soi misses Leopardstown clash

One of the most anticipated clashes of the day is off as Chacun Pour Soi is lame and will not take on Envoi Allen in the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase (1.10) at Leopardstown.

Chacun Pour Soi had been 2-5 with Paddy Power to get his season back on track following his tame Tingle Creek effort last time when he trailed in last of five behind Greaneteen despite being sent off 8-13 favourite.

The nine-year-old was an impressive winner of the first Grade 1 of the day at Leopardstown 12 months ago when beating Notebook by six and a half lengths, but he will not defend his crown due to lameness.

When asked how serious the issue was, Mullins told the Racing Post: "It's serious enough to stop him from running today anyway."

Chacun Pour Soi: his absence leaves just three runners in the Paddy's Reward Club ChaseCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

The absence of Chacun Pour Soi leaves Envoi Allen with a very straightforward task as he seeks a 13th victory. He is 2-7 with Ladbrokes to do just that, while Paddy Power go 4-11.

Battleoverdoyen is next best at 5-1, while Sizing Pottsie is the outsider of the three runners at 6-1.

A Plus Tard (2019), Douvan (2016), Sizing Europe (2012) and Big Zeb (2011) have all won the Grade 1 in the last decade.

Sizing Pottsie finished third behind Energumene on his comeback run in this month's Hilly Way Chase, having lost out on second close home.

His trainer Jessica Harrington said: "If he hadn't hit the second-last in the Hilly Way he would have been much closer, but he's a classy horse on his day and could surprise a few."

Key non-runners

Chepstow
1.40 8 Romeo's Bond

Kempton
3.40 5 Glory And Honour, 8 Timberman, 14 Bathsheba Bay, 15 Just The Man

Leopardstown
12.35 4 Thedevilscoachman
1.10 2 Chacun Pour Soi

Read more Monday previews:

1.40 Chepstow: is there another star in this year's Finale? Graeme Rodway analyses the field

2.30 Kempton: Henderson confident Shishkin is ready for return – but has concerns over ground

2.50 Chepstow: Welsh Grand National – key trainer quotes as Secret Reprieve bids for rare double

2.55 Leopardstown: essential insight and quotes for the Paddy Power Chase

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