Truckers Lodge has already competed in 3 Welsh Nationals finishing 2nd in 2019 (off effective 136), 7th in 2020 (off effective 152) and 3rd in 2021 (off effective 150). This year I fully expect Freddie Gingell to ride and take 10lb off in a race named after his late mother AND the horse is only rated 141 now. That would see him running off an effective 131. Remember he was 2nd beaten just 1 1/4 lengths off 136 in 2019. I’m sure they left plenty of work in him when he ran in the handicap at Haydock with this Welsh National in mind and fully expect him to give a very good account of himself

Musical Slave was in good form at the end of last season with wins at Sandown and Haydock before finishing 2nd at Sandown in the Bet365 Gold Cup behind the (now clearly) very well handicapped Hewick. That form looks very strong and Musical Slave returned at Haydock over 3m1f. He travelled really well for a long way and Tom O’Brien made no effort whatsoever to go after Fontaine Collonges and this looked a ride with something else in mind. Musical Slave actually dropped 2lb for this run and off 135 I would be very surprised if he doesn’t go close in a feature handicap like this. The only concern here is he is currently number 32 when only 20 can run. I can cross out a few that I don’t think will run but crossing out 12 is tough at this stage. He may need a bit of luck to get in.

Escaria Ten is one I would be very confident of a big run from (if he runs, Max McNeill didn’t give too much away) and I think this or the the Irish National are more likely to be the targets this year rather than the Aintree Grand National where I don’t think he stayed.

He still got round and finished a good 9th last year but the drop back in trip should be ideal. The Welsh National, Thyestes Chase and Irish National could well be his next 3 races. His recent return over 2m6f when not beaten far by Darasso (who has more speed and fitness) was a very good effort and a step back up in trip would be ideal. Gordon Elliott has Punitive, Frontal Assault and Escaria Ten in the Welsh National BUT the other 2 are also in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown whereas this is the only entry for Escaria Ten. If he turns up then you can be confident of a big run here.

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