Welsh Grand National may come too soon for favourite Broadway Boy - but big staying chases are firmly on the radar

Ante-post punters should take caution over Coral Welsh Grand National favourite Broadway Boy, with connections considering the Chepstow marathon this month but anticipating the race may come too soon for the Coral Gold Cup second.

The David Proos-owned chaser posted a career-best effort when beaten a length and three-quarters by Kandoo Kid in Newbury’s feature staying handicap chase on Saturday.

Broadway Boy was cut to 10-1 favourite (from 12) with several firms for the Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27, but he may be given more time, with the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase on Trials day at Cheltenham on January 25 among other options.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained six-year-old has form figures of 12113 at Cheltenham and could be a Randox Health Grand National candidate in April. He is a 66-1 shot for the Aintree showpiece with Betfair Sportsbook and Sky Bet.

Willy Twiston-Davies, son and assistant to Nigel, said: “It was a massive run and we were very proud of him. One mistake probably cost us – it was a race-ending error for most but he did bloody well to fight back. Softer ground probably would have helped him as he’s such a dour stayer.

“We’ll think about the Welsh National but it possibly might come a bit soon after a hard race. We’re thinking more towards the Cotswold Chase and on to the Grand National. We have to remember he’s only six, but he’s hopefully improving and Aintree is on the radar.

“There are all sorts of options though, with staying chases at Haydock in January and February, and the Scottish National and the bet365 Gold Cup in the spring, so he’ll be well entered up.”

Master Chewy: set to take on Jonbon in the Tingle Creek ChaseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Master Chewy featured among eight confirmations for the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday and is on course for a first crack at Grade 1 open company.

The Anne-Marie and Jamie Shepperd-owned seven-year-old finished a head second to Found A Fifty in the Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree in April and connections feel he has stepped forward from his return fourth off topweight in the Byrne Group Handicap Chase at Ascot last month.

Twiston-Davies said of the 16-1 Tingle Creek chance: “He’s been very consistent and we feel he will step forward massively for his reappearance and be suited by softer ground.

“He has the sort of rating where he either carries topweight in a handicap or gives it a go in a Grade 1. He was running very well in the Arkle when he fell and was a good second in a good renewal of the Grade 1 at Aintree, so we feel he deserves a crack at this.”

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