4m (3m7f176y) Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo+)
Although they are both trading at the top of the market, I think the two best handicapped horses in the race are MONBEG GENIOUS and YOUR OWN STORY. Both of the horses are connected with last week’s Grand National winner Corach Rambler.
Firstly, Monbeg Genious has been hugely progressive this season for Jonjo O’Neill. The seven-year-old ran an absolute blinder in the Ultima Handicap Chase on soft ground at the Cheltenham Festival just getting outgunned late on by Corach Rambler and Fastorslow. Those three pulled some 10 lengths clear of the third and Monbeg Genious was only raised 5lbs for that run to a mark of 145. Judging by the performance of Corach Rambler in the Grand National off a mark of 146, Monbeg Genious could easily still have 10lbs in-hand on the handicapper.
The big question mark is whether he will stay the trip, but he wasn’t lost for legs at the finish last time out and there is every chance he will see it out on this better ground, which Monbeg Genious has won on before.
As for Your Own Story, Lucinda Russell could complete a very memorable double and she really does know how to train National types. Your Own Story also looks exceptionally well-treated judged on his second last time out over 3m 4f. He is a typical staying chasing type in that he is ridden quietly and does all his best work at the end of the race. His one attempt over a marathon trip so him easily romp home over 3m 7f and there is no doubt that he will be staying at the business end. He has a featherweight of 10st 2lbs and looks to have an ideal profile for the race.
1pt win Monbeg Genius @5/1, 15:35 Ayr, Saturday
1pt win Your Own Story @15/2, 15:35 Ayr, Saturday