4m (3m7f176y) Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
Front-runners are often favoured in the Scottish National and with the ground quickening up to be on the better side of good, those factors are significant drivers in my selections. INIS OIRR won by an absolute street last time for Lucinda Russell and Derek Fox in the Edinburgh National, a race won by a similar stable winner, Mighty Thunder, a few years back on his way to winning a Scottish National. Inis Oirr has been raised a stone, but he could hardly have been more impressive at his first try at close to four miles with a first time visor.
He arrives here fresh and will love the drying ground. He might not be able to dominate his field so easily, but if the same tactics are employed here then he may be tough a one to peg back.
The other massive improver in the field that has to be backed is ANGLERS CRAG who is 4-4 since his wind operation and switch to Brian Ellison. His last win came in the Eider Chase over four-miles which is normally a good pointer for this race. Anglers Crag is a good traveller, fairly slick jumper and seems to gallop all day. He won’t might the ground one bit and still could have some mileage in his mark after reeling off 4 consecutive victories.
The race couldn’t be more competitive with Git Maker and Mr Vango coming in to this off fine Cheltenham runs, Mr Incredible may also do a lot better than his Aintree run, but this race may not be run to suit him as much.
1pt win Inis Oirr @10/1, 15:35 Ayr, Scottish Grand National
1pt win Anglers Crag @12/1, 15:35 Ayr, Scottish Grand National