Last Saturday's racing delivered victories for both Donald McCain and Lucinda Russell's Coral Welsh Grand National contenders.  Combine this with Saturday's fixtures – the Hennessy Gold Cup and the At The Races Rehearsal Chase – where the likes of Rocky Creek (11st), Highland Lodge (10st 6lbs) and Loch Ba (9st 11lbs) are set to line up - sees the 57th running of the Coral Welsh Grand National develop in shape, strength and quality. 

Sydney Paget, trained by Donald McCain with a 10st 8lb weight in the Coral Welsh Grand National, stormed home in Haydock's three-mile one-furlong Handicap Chase.  The trainer explains: "The Welsh National will definitely be considered, but he'll also have entries in the Tommy Whittle and the Paddy Power Chase, which is worth an absolute fortune, in Ireland.

"With the Welsh National, if Tidal Bay (top weight with 11st 12lbs) runs it will be very tempting, but he's also a horse that we'd like to take back to Haydock given the way he won."

Sydney Paget heads the sponsor's betting for the Coral Welsh Grand National at 10-1 after the weights were released today, with Highland Lodge and the Irish-trained Goonyella (from 16-1) the 12-1 joint second-favourites.

Coral Spokesman, David Stevens, said: "Sydney Paget was a 20-1 shot prior to his win at Haydock at the weekend, but went to the head of the betting as a result of that success, and even a 13lb hike in the ratings might not prevent him following up at Chepstow given the high regard trainer Donald McCain has for his charge.

"Goonyella carrying 10st 1lb has been the main market mover, his trainer Jim Dreaper became the first Irish-based handler to win the Coral Welsh National with Notre Pere five years ago, and Goonyella is another who should relish the stamina test this race provides."

Lucinda Russell-trained Nuts N Bolts secures a 10st 3lbs weight having jumped his way to victory in the staying handicap chase.  Lucinda adds: "I'm delighted to have another good horse with an exceptional prospect in the Welsh Grand National."

Wales's most prestigious race has attracted an 88-strong field of entries with horses set to represent England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Various racing related stages will see the final field confirmed the day before the ultimate contest with a £100,000 jackpot.

Gates open at 10am for Chepstow's biggest race meeting of the season with a £190,000 total prize-pool.  The seven racecard comes under starters orders at 12:05pm with the last race at 3:35pm. 

Tickets can be purchased on the day from £20 or visit chepstow-racecourse.co.uk for more information.