O'CONNELL IS STREETS AHEAD

O'CONNELL (2.50) is getting better with age and can hit a new high in today's Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow.

- by JASON HEAVEY

The nine-year-old posted a career best last time when a near four-length winner of Sandown's London National, after which Sue Smith and Joel Parkinson wasted no time in confirming today's marathon test as the big target.

He had matters sewn up jumping the last at Sandown and a 4lb penalty looks unlikely to anchor him, with the extra two furlongs bringing his stamina into play.

Mr Vango was a heroic short-head runner-up in the Becher and is a big player, while last year's Welsh National runner-up Jubilee Express, Betfair Chase flop Haiti Couleurs and runaway Ascot winner Rock My Way are others to consider near the top of the market.