Smith duo set for Chepstow

Omni Cosmo Touch and Truckers Tavern are set to represent Sue Smith in the Coral Welsh National at Chepstow on December 27.

The former, a 16-1 shot with the sponsors, will be attempting to follow up on his fine run in last month's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury, where he stayed on into fourth behind State Of Play.

“I’ve confirmed Truckers Tavern and Omni Cosmo Touch, I just hope Truckers Tavern will get in,” said Smith.

“They are also in the Roland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day as you have to have some kind of back-up, but the Welsh National is the plan.”

Truckers Tavern won the Roland Meyrick two years ago and has shown very little since, but last weekend he produced his best effort since leaving Ferdy Murphy for Smith when finishing second.

“Truckers ran brilliantly around Haydock the other day,” said Smith.

“I’m a little worried it might come a bit quick for him, but he’s a real staying chaser and I’ll just have to wait and see if he gets in.

“Omni Cosmo Touch ran a cracking race in the Hennessy. He stays really well, doesn’t mind soft ground and should be running off a nice weight. Hopefully we will have a couple of good chances.”

Smith also originally entered Royal Emperor in the marathon contest, but he has appeared out of sorts in his runs this season.