Russell aims to strike gold with Silver By Nature

Silver By Nature is improving his chances of landing Monday's Coral Welsh National at Chepstow with extra training on deep sand gallops.

Lucinda Russell, Scotland's top trainer with 70 horses stabled at Milnathort, near Kinross, is banking on the additional training making the difference in the 3m5f Grade 3 handicap chase for the for the 12-1 chance with Victor Chandler.

"We are putting the horses on it in addition to their normal work and we are finding that it is making them stronger," said Russell, who has banked more than £250,000 in win and place prize money this season.

"They have an inner core of strength and are finishing races better. He's had no hold-ups due to the weather and the biggest problem we face is getting to Chepstow through all the snow."

Silver By Nature took the Cumberland Handicap Chase at Carlisle in good style at the beginning of November and Russell, who saddled Strong Resolve to finish second in the race five years ago, says he has ironed out his jumping.

She added: "He was laid out for that race at Carlisle and though he hasn't had a great deal of experience, his jumping is okay.