'A nice position to be in' - Williams relieved as Secret Reprieve escapes rise

Trainer Evan Williams believes Coral Welsh Grand National favourite Secret Reprieve is "in a nice position rather than a bad one" as the trial winner remains 8lb well in for Saturday’s rescheduled marathon at Chepstow.

If the weights for the £150,000 contest had been revised after the meeting’s cancellation on December 27, the William and Angela Rucker-owned staying chaser would carry 8lb more than his allotted weight that includes a 4lb penalty.

Coral Welsh Grand National card and betting

Naturally that was Williams’ first query after it emerged the race would be rescheduled for this weekend, and he was pleased with the answer. The progressive seven-year-old routed the opposition in last month's trial over 2m7½f at the track by 12 lengths and is the 7-2 favourite with Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook.

The non-adjustment of the weights is also good news for connections of recent Becher Chase winner Vieux Lion Rouge, who is also 8lb well in on official ratings and a 20-1 shot, while Paul Nicholls intends to again declare Yala Enki and Truckers Lodge at the top of the weights.

Vieux Lion Rouge: Becher Chase winner is similarly 8lb well in for Welsh NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Williams, who is also keen on the chances of Prime Venture, said: “That was my first thing to sort out after the cancellation! The new handicap mark doesn’t kick in – they’re going back to the weights as they were announced – so Secret Reprieve carries the 4lb penalty and no more. It was imperative for our chance really.

“If it wasn’t the case then that’s life and I wouldn’t have had any issues if it was different, but with it being as it is it’s obviously a help. It’s a nice position to be in rather than a bad one."

Get the potential runners for Saturday's rescheduled Coral Welsh Grand National

Prime Venture finished a close fourth behind Potters Corner in last season’s running and the Janet Davies-owned chaser returned to winning ways with a 16-length success at Sedgefield on his return in November.

Williams feels that victory has boosted the ten-year-old’s confidence no end and he envisages the 14-1 chance running another big race.

Prime Venture: confidence is up after reappearance win at SedgefieldCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

He said: “We wouldn’t run him if we didn’t think he had a decent chance and I think he does. I keep telling everybody he’s started off this season with a win that’s done him the world of good.

“He’s a few pounds higher but we think he’s that much better confidence wise and in himself compared to last year’s race, although he’ll have to be. He’s going there with a realistic chance of running a very good race and being in the first four again.”

It has been a Christmas period to remember for Williams with three winners from eight runners in the past fortnight, most notably stable star Silver Streak lowering the colours of Epatante in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

Silver Streak: defeated Epatante in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last monthCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Les Fell-owned grey will head straight to the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, for which he is a general 12-1 chance, while Challow Hurdle second Star Gate will not be seen until embarking on a novice chase campaign next term.

Williams said: “We’re very happy with Silver Streak and he definitely had a race at Kempton. He was a tired horse after Boxing Day and it was tough on him. He’ll need freshening up and will go straight to the Champion Hurdle.

“The yard is in great form and it’s very exciting times. There’s no doubting Silver Streak has improved this season, while Star Gate was beaten by a monster on the day at Newbury – but we tried to beat him.

"He’s a young horse and it was too much for him, so we’ll wrap him up in cotton wool and put him away for a novice chase campaign next season. There’s plenty to look forward to.”

Welsh National favourites

2019 Elegant Escape 9-4 6th
2018 Elegant Escape 3-1 Won
2017 Vintage Clouds 7-1 4th
2016 Native River 11-4 Won
2015 Cogry 8-1 PU
2014 Monbeg Dude and Woodford County 8-1 4th and 7th
2013 Highland Lodge 13-2 PU
2012 Teaforthree 11-4 2nd
2011 Viking Blond 6-1 PU
2010 Maktu 9-2 5th

Read more:

Chepstow confident of surviving cold snap before rescheduled Welsh National

Which British-trained novice hurdler has the best chance at Cheltenham in March?

Silver Streak gains deserved Grade 1 win in Christmas Hurdle as Epatante falters

Silver Streak provides a rare jumping strike for Dark Angel

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