Native River is simply magnificent - and it's a sin to suggest otherwise

I have a confession to make. While I was writing my Weekender column this week, I performed what can only be described as a sin. I had a jibe at Native River.

Studying Monday's Welsh National card I realised the 2018 Gold Cup hero could knock half the exciting, unexposed prospects out of the weights – including my prospective selection.

Not only did I commit blasphemy, it turns out I was also wrong, as with key players Ask Me Early, Time To Get Up and Royale Pagaille out of the race, far fewer of those lightly weighted horses are out of the handicap than I thought.