Dance Island set for a crack at the Welsh National

Ben Case is leaning towards a tilt at the Coral Welsh National with his stable star Dance Island. As well as Chepstow on 27 December, the gelding is entered in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on the same afternoon, but the Irish option is mainly as back-up.

A fine servant to Case's stables near Banbury, Dance Island won at Warwick in February before finishing second to Burton Port in the Grade One Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree.

After a pipe-opener over hurdles, he was second in a handicap chase at Haydock on 20 November. "After talking to the owners we think we're more likely to go to Chepstow, if it's on," said Case.

"If there are problems with the weather, then we will look at going to Leopardstown."

Meanwhile, Brian Ellison would welcome the rearranging of Saturday's abandoned Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle as an option for Bothy.

Ascot's meeting was abandoned due to snow, and several tracks are keen on helping to salvage the feature races, which also include the Grade One BGC Long Walk Hurdle.

Bothy would have a live chance in the Ladbroke after finishing a neck behind Champion Hurdle hopeful Menorah - albeit receiving nearly 2st from his rival - in the Greatwood at Cheltenham.

"I heard they might move the Ladbroke to Wincanton (on Boxing Day) and if the ground is OK he would go to Wincanton," said Ellison.