Featured Bookmaker: Unibet

Unibet might be Sweden's premier iGaming platform, but it’s undoubtedly the darling of Europe's sports betting scene. Established in 1997 and now serving more than 15 million customers in over 100 countries. Plus, they have a fantastic £30 Free Bet to get you started.

Read Review

Welsh National Ante-Post Update

There are two things that keep racing fans going during the Christmas break. One is the King George and the other is the Welsh National.

I’ve always been a great fan of the Chepstow race and have backed a few winners over the years. It’s a very demanding race, usually run in bottomless ground and suits dour stayers. A couple of weeks ago I suggested Merry King at 14-1 for the race after he had run a fair fifth in the Hennessy Gold Cup.

Jonjo O’Neill keeps his cards close to his chest but he still seems to be heading for Wales and the Hennessy form was given a minor boost when Theatre Guide ran well at Cheltenham. He was second to last year’s winner Monbeg Dude but looked to be going best for most of the race and possibly ran too freely for his own good.

I am now going to back up my investment by taking the 12-1 about Well Refreshed, a confirmed starter for Gary Moore. This horse has a habit of clouting one or two fences but Chepstow is about as forgiving as you can get and he loves the mud.

Last season he improved out of all recognition, winning the Sussex National in a bog at Plumpton by 28 lengths and dishing out another thrashing to his rivals at Haydock. That was in the Grand National Trial where he just about up-rooted the last but was strong enough to stay on his feet.

The Moore stable did us a favour with Sire De Grugy in the Tingle Creek recently and they must have a great chance of adding another big prize here. Take the 12-1 on offer with Bet365 as I’m sure he will start at less than half of those odds.

The market still contains several horses with multiple entries and anyone who has backed Sydney Paget, Silver By Nature or Nuts N Bolts will be biting their finger nails at the moment. Their respective trainers have hinted at alternative engagements over Christmas and the betting could be in for a shake-up.

I am not convinced by Goonyella’s position at the head of the market whilst Tidal Bay and Teaforthree are likely to be anchored by their big weights. Highland Lodge is a threat on his fine run in the Hennessy but I still fancy Merry King to get the better of him over this longer trip.

Well Refreshed 12-1 Bet365

*Merry King 14-1 Coral

Top Tips

  • Betfair:
    Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.

    View
  • Paddypower:
    Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.

    4/6
  • Betway:
    Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.

    View
  • Coral:
    Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.

    16/1
  • Bet365:
    Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.

    10/1

Top Free Bets

  • Betway:
    £10 Free Bet Every Week

    View
  • BetVictor:
    £40 Free On First Deposit

    View
  • Bet365:
    £200 Deposit Bonus

    View
  • Paddy Power:
    Risk Free £20
    New Customers Only. 18+. T&Cs Apply

    View
  • Sky Bet:
    £10 Free Bet (No Deposit)

    View

Top Offers

  • 10 Bet:
    Real Madrid to win the Champions League

    5/6
  • Paddy Power:
    Chris Froome to win the Tour De France

    5/6
  • Bet Bright:
    Deposit £10, Play With £50

    £50
  • Unibet:
    Arsenal to win the FA Cup Final

    7/4
  • Coral:
    Lewis Hamilton to win the Monaco Grand Prix

    7/4