Nicky Henderson’s Beware The Bear out to grab Welsh National glory at Chepstow on Saturday
Henderson is yet to win a National of any type but looks to have a strong candidate in Beware The Bear for Saturday's Welsh National
PUNTERS should Beware backing the favourite for the Coral Welsh National.
Nicky Henderson’s runner Beware The Bear is the one the bookies fear in Saturday’s rearranged marathon thriller at Chepstow.
Yet the eight-year-old must exorcise Henderson’s ghosts of Nationals past as he bids for glory in the 3m6f slog.
Henderson said: “I have never won a National of any kind anywhere in the world - not even a Shetland Grand National!
Templegate's treble
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“Obviously I am keen to put the record straight. I will be a happy man if Bear can finally break my hoodoo.”
Beware The Bear was last seen staying on for Sean Bowen to beat Bishops Road over 2m7f at Newcastle.
Henderson said: “He was impressive there and has come out of the race well. He will be suited by this kind of test.”
Chepstow called off the original meeting on December 27 due to a waterlogged track.
Clerk of the course Keith Ottesen said: “We had 60mm of rain in two days over Christmas. It was an incredible amount.
“The track is fine now. We’ve had rain but it is taking it. We are positive about Saturday.”
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One runner who will relish the heavy ground will be Mysteree.
Trainer Michael Scudamore said: “He won the Eider in very bad ground and then was second to Chase The Spud in the Midlands National.
“That form looks strong.”