Victor Dartnall is hoping Giles Cross can give his Barnstaple team something to cheer about by ending the season on a high in the Welsh National.

The Devon trainer had to shut up shop due to an outbreak of equine herpes last month, but the stable is back up and running.

All roads lead to Chepstow on December 27 for Giles Cross as the 10-year-old attempts to go one better than last year.

After beating all bar Le Beau Bai last Christmas, Giles Cross put up a career-best performance to claim the scalp of subsequent Aintree hero Neptune Collonges in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February.

He could not repeat that display on the big day itself and was pulled up.

However, Dartnall reports Giles Cross to be in fine shape for another crack at the Welsh National.

"He's in great form and he's on course for the Welsh National," he said.

"He should get his conditions if it carries on like this. It would be ideal.

"If it's been heavy at Cheltenham this weekend then it's sure to heavy to Chepstow.

"It would be a great way to end the year."