The Scottish horse racing broadcaster affords his ideas on the cardboard at Ayr on Saturday, together with the massive race at 15:35.
13:10
After impressing on his first three begins over fences, issues fairly didn’t go as deliberate for Etalon / however he may bounce again as he returns from a brief break following wind surgical procedure to attempt to add some valuable prize cash to Dan Skelton’s championship pursuit. Willie Mullins’ Western Diego doesn’t look badly handled for his handicap bow whereas the final two winners of this, Malystic and Tommy’s Oscar, could have their supporters.
13:43
Banbury Citadel handler Alan King, who as a teen dreamt of a profession in racing watching the Scottish Nationwide, has been speaking up the probabilities of Masaccio / all week. An honourable third at Cheltenham, the choice received’t thoughts stepping again as much as three miles and should have most to concern from Whistle Cease Tour, whose pulled up effort at Cheltenham could be forgiven as he was almost introduced down by a faller on the first – this course and distance winner is loads higher than that exhibiting.
14:15
A large-open Scottish Champion Hurdle and I’m giving the nod to one of many market principals, Kabral Du Mathan / . Runner-up at Windsor in January when his yard was quiet, there’s prone to be extra enchancment within the locker from this ex-French five-year-old. I respect the probabilities of Grand Nationwide heroes Willie and Patrick Mullins with Moral Diamond, whereas final yr’s third Cracking Rhapsody and Kihavah – reappearing after a break – may each outrun their odds.
14:55
The important thing piece of kind to this mares’ handicap hurdle could be the race right here final month, which noticed Ruby Island scramble dwelling in entrance with Fox’s Fancy a neck again in second and Ruth Jefferson’s Lavida Adiva / properly crushed in fourth. For what it’s value, I’m going for an enormous turnaround as I used to be actually taken by Lavida Adiva’s romp at Kelso the place she took a Listed contest on her first try at three miles.
15:35 SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL
Given he’s saddling SIX runners, some reckon Willie Mullins seems to have a stranglehold on the Scottish Grand Nationwide, however final yr’s gallant runner-up – Surrey Quest / for dwelling counties coach Toby Lawes – may simply spoil the occasion. A yr in the past he was chinned on the road by the Closutton maestro’s Macdermott and he arrives for his date with future off the again of a good third within the Edinburgh Nationwide. Macdermott has extra letters than numbers towards his identify this time period and first-season novice Captain Cody could possibly be the principle menace from the Mullins sextet. Sail Away, a winner on this card two years in the past, has produced two respectable efforts on his final couple of runs whereas The Kniphand shapes as if this marathon journey will go well with after his nice second within the Grimthorpe Chase. Our Energy, eleventh within the 2024 Grand Nationwide, could possibly be a vigorous outsider and has being aimed toward Scotland’s most precious race following a lightweight marketing campaign.
16:10
It’d take a wise one to decrease the colors of Calimystic / on his handicap debut. He received easing down at Doncaster and this additional half mile shouldn’t pose any issues. The tongue tie goes on Quebecois, who price £320,000 and boasts a Grade 2 second at Sandown (most likely his finest run thus far) simply earlier than Christmas.
16:45
Chart Topper / targets this novice occasion instead of his engagement within the earlier handicap hurdle. Bred by Willie Mullins’ spouse, he wasn’t disgraced when runner-up in Grade 2 firm at Kelso final time. The unexposed, £130,000-winning point-to-pointer The Jukebox Child may choose up the items if Chart Topper isn’t on his A-Recreation.
17:20
This bumper has been received up to now by some sensible varieties, notably a sure Sprinter Sacre in 2010, so who is aware of what may rock up? By advantage of being a half-brother to Dysart Dynamo and Dysart Diamond, Dysart Dolomite / is a captivating newcomer for the Mullins camp. Gillespie, Driftwood Bounty and Conman John, who sports activities the Ahoy Senor colors, boasts the very best figures of these with runs below their belts.
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