Thomas is looking for fast track to success with Jubilee Express

THE biggest race in Wales is just days away and a local horse seems set to go off favourite for it.

- With JAMES BURN

In Jubilee Express, Sam Thomas possesses the market leader for Saturday's Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.

Thomas trains to the north of Cardiff and captured the contest in 2021 with Iwilldoit, who had warmed up by landing a trial at the course beforehand.

That route, one taken by fellow winners Secret Reprieve and Nassalam in recent years as well, has been followed by Jubilee Express, who is as short as 9-2 in places to emerge on top this weekend, although he is largely available at 5-1.

He had been a general 6-1 last week and owes his position at the head of the betting to that victory this month and his solid second in the £170,000 event 12 months ago.

Still only eight and with relatively few appearances, the gelding, who races in the familiar navy and white silks of Ffos Las founder Dai Walters, has scope to progress further, although Thomas would prefer more rain to fall than is predicted.