Sir Rembrandt, a progressive chaser who turned in a career-best performance last time, is taken to land his biggest prize to date in the Coral Welsh National Showcase Handicap over three miles five and a half furlongs at Chepstow today.

Robert Alner has a wealth of talent in the staying chase department and, although the fall of Keen Leader robbed the race of much of its interest, the manner of his victory in a listed handicap at this course last time was still most impressive.

Although he took a fall in the Hennessy at Newbury, he showed his confidence had not been affected in the slighest when drawing well clear in the last half mile to beat Bindaree very easily by eight lengths.

It almost goes without saying he was value for considerably more than the official margin over the runner-up suggests and there was a yawning 30-length gap to third placed Stormez.

Although he has a 4lb penalty to carry, he's 8lb well in compared to future handicaps as it's likely that the extra three furlongs of this contest is going to be very much to his liking.

As that was only the seven-year-old's fourth start over fences it's a fair bet that there's considerably more to come and, although he's priced accordingly at around 7-2, he's still well worth a decent bet.

There's been plenty of interest in Hedgehunter in recent weeks and he comes here following a good fourth in the Hennessy and with his stamina assured after two Irish wins over a mile and a half.

The extra distance of this contest should suit but it's hard to see why he's less than half the price of Take Control, who finished in front of him at Newbury that day and who will also relish this stiffer test of stamina.

Martin Pipe's nine-year-old, who won the Scottish National in April of last year, seems to have taken well to the visor and, at odds of up to 14-1, looks a really good each-way alternative to the favourite.

Another progressive sort that could give a good account is Take The Stand who, like several from the Peter Bowen yard this term, has improved out of all recognition and he's another that should appreciate the step up to this trip.

Welsh National 1-2-3

1.Sir Rembrandt

2.Take Control

3.Take The Stand

* Conditional jockey Richard Young was taken by air ambulance to Yeovil Hospital with suspected head injuries following a heavy fall at Wincanton yesterday.

Young was injured when his mount, Tin Symphony, was brought down.

* Conditional jockey Tom Greenway was banned for a total of 13 days after taking the wrong course in the opening race at Uttoxeter yesterday.

The ban takes effect from January 6.

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