Yala Enki is poised to compete in the Unibet Grand National Trial at Haydock on Saturday, despite the threat of strong winds from Storm Dennis. The 10-year-old, trained by Paul Nicholls, is the nap selection for the day, with conditions expected to suit his running style.
Winner of the same race in 2018, Yala Enki now races off an 11lb higher mark, but his ability to handle deep ground and Haydock's tight turns could offset that rise. He was third in the Welsh National over Christmas and followed up with a fluent win at Taunton three weeks later.
Connections prefer Yala Enki's chance to that of stablemate Truckers Lodge, who also held an entry. The move from Venetia Williams to Paul Nicholls this season has yielded two of Yala Enki's best career efforts, vindicating the decision.
In other races, The Worlds End is tipped in the Rendlesham Hurdle, where his front-running style may prove decisive. The Big Bite is also fancied earlier on the card, having impressed in a Doncaster Beginners' chase last month.
