Betfair have installed the Donald McCain trained Sydney Paget as their joint 10-1 favourite for the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on December 28.
The six-year-old who began his career over fences with a fall at Kelso, looked a staying chaser with a bright future having run out an easy winner of a Betfair sponsored handicap chase at Haydock on his reappearance this season.
The valuable Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas is also among a clutch of engagements open to the son of Flemensfirth.
Goonyella who most recently finished fifth in the established Troytown Chase at Navan is also a 10-1 chance having been supported from odds of 12-1.
Sporting the famous Ann and Alan Potts colours, the six-year-old has twice won over fences, including over the Welsh National distance in a handicap chase at Punchestown.
The Gary Moore trained Well Refreshed completes the trio on 10-1 having finished a good third in a competitive handicap at Sandown recently.
The Emma Lavelle trained Highland Lodge is a 12-1 chance having made a highly encouraging reappearance last month, finishing second in a competitive chase at Wincanton.
Merry King for Jonjo O’Neill is a 14-1 chance having finished a six length second in a Grade 3 at Ascot earlier this month.
Teaforthree who was well fancied for this race last year and finished a good second, is also a 14-1 chance to go one better this year.
The Rebecca Curtis trained nine-year-old finished third in the Grand National at Aintree last season and has already won twice at the Welsh track.
Betfair Spokesman Barry Orr commented today: ‘’ The Welsh National is always a really competitive race and this year it looks no different’’.
‘’Sydney Paget was really impressive at Haydock and on the back of that effort deserves to head the market, along with Goonyella and Well Refreshed’’
Welsh National – Betfair Sportsbook: 10-1 Sydney Paget, Goonyella, Well Refreshed, 12-1 Highland Lodge, Silver By Nature, 14-1 Merry King, Super Duty, Hawkes Point, Teaforthree, Mountainous, Safran de Cotte, 16-1 Alfie Sherrin, Boyfromnowhere, Godsmejudge, Goulanes, On His Own, Vesper Bell, Vintage Star, De La Bech, Nuts N Bolts, Panther Claw, 20-1 bar
*Each Way 1/4 Odds first 4 places