With Aintree and Cheltenham over we turn to Ayr’s Scottish National card in search of a few more jumps winners before the season is out. We’re a bit up against it time-wise today so we’ll keep the analysis to the point.
14:10: Jordan Electrics Ltd Future Champion Novices’ Chase
An above-average renewal but a race that looks ripe for an upset with the top two in the market potentially tired having run at both Cheltenham and Aintree, while the Sir Alex Ferguson-owned Clan Des Obeaux’s form is in and out. OLDGRANGEWOOD ran a shocker when last seen but is clearly well thought of by trainer Dan Skelton and is easy to back at the prices.
0.5pt win Oldgrangewood @16/1
14:45: Scottish Champion Hurdle
The stars might just have aligned for SCEAU ROYAL given he gets his ground and his jockey claims 10lbs. He’s been expensive to follow recently but ran well in the Champion Hurdle and, given he’s arguably one of the smoothest travellers in the hurdling game, he could be a steering job. Under the same ownership and with such little time left in the season, PEACE AND CO might just have been laid out for this by Nicky Henderson after missing an engagement in the Imperial Cup. One of a select few trainers that have the facilities to get horses fully tuned without a run, a return to his best form would have him very well handicapped.
0.75pt each-way Sceau Royal @9/1 (1,2,3,4, 1/4)
0.5pt each-way Peace And Co @14/1 (1,2,3,4, 1/4)
15:20: Scotty Brand Handicap Chase (Listed)
Nicky Henderson’s VANITEUX looks the class horse in this race and very backable at 6/1. Disappointing last time out over further at Cheltenham, he should be seen to better effect over this shorter trip.
1pt win Vaniteux @6/1
15:55: Scottish Grand National
VICENTE won the race last year off the same mark and fell at the first when fancied for the Aintree Grand National. It’s easy to put a line through that run and everything else points to another bold show. His stablemate ARPEGE D’ALENE, who stays all day and thrives in big-field handicaps, looks to have been been laid out for this so it’s difficult to see him not involved at the finish if granted a clear round.
0.75pt each-way Vicente @12/1 (1,2,3,4,5, 1/4 Bet365)
0.75pt each-way Arpege d’Alene @12/1 (1,2,3,4,5, 1/4 Bet365)