27th Dec 2013 | Horse Racing
Welsh National Tips: Vintage Star
Chase record on soft ground or worse is 211; his only defeat coming at the hands of recent Grade 3 winner Cloudy Too.
Tidal Bay brings a touch of class to the Welsh National (2.35 Chepstow) but he will have his work cut out with 11-12 on his back. A by-product of his lofty rating is the majority of the field carry less than 11st and in testing conditions I expect at least one horse will exploit the weight difference.
Vintage Star is a progressive chaser who can win off his lenient mark. From the start of last season he has finished 2212P12, only failing to make the frame when outclassed in the RSA Chase.
A solid jumper, with stamina in abundance, he looks tailor-made for the Welsh National; the heavy going further playing into his hands.
In three chase starts on ground rated soft or worse he has finished 211, his only defeat coming at the hands of stable companion Cloudy Too who went on to win the Grade 3 Rowland Meyrick Chase on Boxing Day.
Although not top price, I recommend backing Vintage Star each-way at 14/1 with Bet365 as they are paying an extra place with ¼ odds for a top-5 finish.
*Best Odds Guaranteed – Bet365
Back Vintage Star with Bet365 as they are best price and offer Best Odds Guaranteed. If the starting price (SP) is bigger than the current price, you get paid at the bigger SP.
*Channel 4/1 - Bet365
Place the bet with Bet365 and if Le Beau Bai wins at odds of 4/1 or greater than Bet365 will match your stake with a free bet on the next live Channel 4/BBC race. Maximum free bet of £50.
Extra Place - Bet365
Bet365 are paying out each-way bets to an extra place, with 1/4 odds for a top-5 finish.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:55 27th Dec, 2013 but subject to change
