Key trainer quotes to help find the winner of the West Wales National
Canter Carpet West Wales National Handicap Chase | 3m4f, 5yo+ | RTV
Can Samuel Jackson pulp rivals?
Novice chaser Samuel Jackson has marked himself down as an improved stayer this season, and he gets another opportunity to advertise his credentials.
Fourth place in the Devon National was followed last month by a grinding victory at Taunton, where the seven-year-old displayed as much heart as he did stamina to hold off Rolling Dylan by a head.
He is up just 4lb for that performance and trainer Richard Mitford-Slade is hopeful of a good display.
"We've been very pleased with him since Taunton and he seems in good spirits," he said. "The ground is a slight concern because he's always run on the softer side, but hopefully it'll be safe enough and we should find out more."
Very much the stable star at Mitford-Slade's Somerset yard, Samuel Jackson has some bigger longer-term targets.
His trainer added: "He remains open to improvement and we have an eye on the Welsh National for him."
What they say
Michael Scudamore, trainer of Kingswell Theatre
We were very pleased with him at Cheltenham as he was coming back from such a long layoff. The way he's ridden probably made it even harder for him, but he ran as well as we could have hoped. He's come on from that, seems sharper, and the ground should be fine.
Evan Williams, trainer of Pobbles Bay and On The Road
He ran well at Taunton last time but he has been a bit of a disappointment this season. I thought he was better than what he's shown to date, but it's good to be going in with a bit of confidence after last time. The ground could have been softer for him but I'd say that will be the case for most of the horses in the race. On The Road is gone at the game in my opinion.
Peter Bowen, trainer of Henllan Harri
He's in great form and the ground should be right for him. He looks very good.
Race renamed to mark locally-trained Cheltenham winner
The 2m3½f handicap chase (3.15) has been renamed in honour of Tobefair, trained in nearby Nantycaws by Debra Hamer and owned by Down The Quay Club, a syndicate started in the Cresselly Arms pub in west Wales.
The nine-year-old finished a narrow runner-up in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham and then won at the track on Wednesday.
The Congratulations Tobefair Handicap Chase is a nice nod to a horse who has proved that humble beginnings do not necessarily prevent you from playing, and winning, in the big league.
Phil Bell, executive director at Ffos Las, said: "We're delighted to name a race after such a wonderful racehorse."
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