Scudamore optimistic pair can cap best campaign

5.15 Ffos Las
Persimmon Homes West Wales National Handicap | 3m4f | 5yo+ | ATR

The West Wales National does not command the profile of its Aintree, Fairyhouse or Ayr cousins, but the race's new slot in the calendar will be a boost to some of those who miss out on the bigger events.

Previously run in January, the marathon – Ffos Las's second most significant race after the Welsh Champion Hurdle – was not run last year after the meeting was abandoned, while in 2015 Bob Ford beat only one other finisher in a ten-runner race on heavy ground, perhaps one of the most gruelling contests staged in Britain.

Easter time equals conditions nowhere near as bad, and clerk of the course Keith Ottesen and his team even had to water this week.

Back-up plans

Potters Cross was being aimed at last week's Grand National but did not get in, while Kim Bailey had hoped to run Knockanrawley in Monday's BoyleSports Irish Grand National, but he too missed the cut.

Two for Scu

Michael Scudamore is enjoying the best season of his career and saddles Streets Of Promise, the mount of the trainer's brother Tom, and Kingswell Theatre, who won the Devon National two starts ago.

King rides again

Potters Cross is one from one under amateur jockey James King, who starred over the National fences at Aintree last week when he won the Foxhunters' on Dineur.

What they say

Michael Scudamore, trainer of Kingswell Theatre and Streets Of Promise.
Kingswell Theatre won nicely at Exeter and I don't think he disgraced himself in the cross-country race at Cheltenham on his first go over those fences. He's had a nice break, stays well and conditions should be fine. Streets Of Promise was a bit disappointing at Newcastle last time and she's had a few hold-ups this season, but she's had a clean run now and this is the sort of time she comes to herself. Ben Poste won on Kingswell Theatre so it made sense to keep him on that horse, while Tom gets on well with Streets Of Promise.

Kim Bailey, trainer of Knockanrawley
I hope he'll go very well, and he ran well to be second in the Eider last time. He's had plenty of time to get over it and was going to go to Fairyhouse for the Irish National but didn't get in, so heads to Wales instead.

Peter Bowen, trainer of Buachaill Alainn
He should go well. He's in good form and is nice and fresh after a good break. He goes on any ground.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Cogry
He's good, and three miles four furlongs is what he wants. He wouldn't want the ground too quick as he needs a stamina test, but they do a good job with conditions there.

Dan Skelton, trainer of The Bay Oak
He will love the trip, which would bring him into it, while the ground will be fine for him.