Coral Welsh National betting tips

The Coral Welsh National, which takes place at Chepstow on December 27, is one of my favourite races in the calendar. Although it's run over a shorter trip (3m 5f) than the English and Scottish equivalents later in the season, stamina is equally crucial in this Grade 3 handicap as conditions are usually pretty testing at the Welsh track in late December. Heading the market for this year's renewal at a generally available 6/1 is the lightly-raced Halcon Genelardais, who is worthy of the utmost respect after demonstrating sound battling qualities to get the better of the progressive Irish Wolf in a hugely competitive and valuable contest over hurdles at Haydock last month. That form has already been franked by the runner-up who went on to give Inglis Drever a run for his money in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury. Indeed, the level of form Halcon Genelardais achieved at Haydock strongly suggested that he has improved over the summer, and the fact that it was his reappearance makes the performance all the more meritorious. Alan King's charge will not be inconvenienced by the prospect of plenty of give underfoot, while the extra yardage should also be in his favour. The main concern is whether his jumping holds up, as he made a number of mistakes when coming home a well-held fifth behind Run For Paddy in the Scottish National at Ayr in April. However, he is bound to have been well-schooled subsequently. The case for Halcon Genelardais is pretty compelling, especially as he is potentially a step ahead of the handicapper given that he is actually racing off a mark 2lb lower than his last start over fences, and picks up no penalties for his recent win over timber. But at twice his odds - 12/1 with Blue Square - Juveigneur gets the call. The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding endured an inauspicious campaign last season in which he failed to complete in four of his five starts. The nine-year-old's confidence was clearly affected by his early-season fall at Aintree, although he did manage to post a cracking effort when finding only Dun Doire too good in the William Hill Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Henderson started Juveigneur off over hurdles this season at Cheltenham where he ran a highly encouraging race to finish third to Massini's Maguire in a Grade 2 novices' event. With confidence seemingly restored, the selection then chased home State Of Play in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, shaping as though the stiffer test of stamina this race will present would be just the tonic. Last year's winner L'aventure and stablemate Lou du Moulin Mas both have solid each-way claims, particularly the latter, although neither strike me as likely victors. In addition, Tana River and Simon, first and second respectively at Sandown last time, enter the picture. Bob Bob Bobbin and One Knight are also both in with a shout if putting in clear rounds. Tip for the Coral Welsh national- 1pt Juveigneur @ 12/1 (Blue Square)