The Scottish horse racing broadcaster offers his thoughts on the card at Ayr on Saturday, including the big race at 15:35.
13:10
After impressing on his first three starts over fences, things quite didn’t go as planned for Etalon 13/2 but he could bounce back as he returns from a short break following wind surgery to try and add some precious prize money to Dan Skelton’s championship pursuit. Willie Mullins’ Western Diego doesn’t look badly treated for his handicap bow while the last two winners of this, Malystic and Tommy’s Oscar, will have their supporters.
13:43
Banbury Castle handler Alan King, who as a youngster dreamt of a career in racing watching the Scottish National, has been talking up the chances of Masaccio 100/30 all week. An honourable third at Cheltenham, the selection won’t mind stepping back up to three miles and may have most to fear from Whistle Stop Tour, whose pulled up effort at Cheltenham can be forgiven as he was nearly brought down by a faller at the first – this course and distance winner is a lot better than that showing.
14:15
A wide-open Scottish Champion Hurdle and I’m giving the nod to one of the market principals, Kabral Du Mathan 3/1 . Runner-up at Windsor in January when his yard was quiet, there is likely to be more improvement in the locker from this ex-French five-year-old. I respect the chances of Grand National heroes Willie and Patrick Mullins with Ethical Diamond, while last year’s third Cracking Rhapsody and Kihavah – reappearing after a break – could both outrun their odds.
14:55
The key piece of form to this mares’ handicap hurdle might be the race here last month, which saw Ruby Island scramble home in front with Fox’s Fancy a neck back in second and Ruth Jefferson’s Lavida Adiva 9/2 well beaten in fourth. For what it’s worth, I’m going for a big turnaround as I was really taken by Lavida Adiva’s romp at Kelso where she took a Listed contest on her first attempt at three miles.
15:35 SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL
Given he is saddling SIX runners, some reckon Willie Mullins appears to have a stranglehold on the Scottish Grand National, but last year’s gallant runner-up – Surrey Quest 10/1 for home counties trainer Toby Lawes – might just spoil the party. A year ago he was chinned on the line by the Closutton maestro’s Macdermott and he arrives for his date with destiny off the back of a decent third in the Edinburgh National. Macdermott has more letters than numbers against his name this term and first-season novice Captain Cody could be the main threat from the Mullins sextet. Sail Away, a winner on this card two years ago, has produced two decent efforts on his last couple of runs while The Kniphand shapes as if this marathon trip will suit after his fine second in the Grimthorpe Chase. Our Power, 11th in the 2024 Grand National, could be a lively outsider and has being aimed at Scotland’s most valuable race following a light campaign.
16:10
It might take a smart one to lower the colours of Calimystic 5/2 on his handicap debut. He won easing down at Doncaster and this extra half mile shouldn’t pose any problems. The tongue tie goes on Quebecois, who cost ÂŁ320,000 and boasts a Grade 2 second at Sandown (probably his best run so far) just before Christmas.Â
16:45
Chart Topper 10/11 targets this novice event in preference to his engagement in the previous handicap hurdle. Bred by Willie Mullins’ wife, he wasn’t disgraced when runner-up in Grade 2 company at Kelso last time. The unexposed, £130,000-winning point-to-pointer The Jukebox Kid could pick up the pieces if Chart Topper isn’t on his A-Game.
17:20
This bumper has been won in the past by some smart types, notably a certain Sprinter Sacre in 2010, so who knows what might rock up? By virtue of being a half-brother to Dysart Dynamo and Dysart Diamond, Dysart Dolomite 11/8 is a fascinating newcomer for the Mullins camp. Gillespie, Driftwood Bounty and Conman John, who sports the Ahoy Senor colours, boasts the best figures of those with runs under their belts.
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