The Scottish Grand National is usually a race to savour and it again headlines the richest day of jumps action in Scotland on Saturday. And with Willie Mullins sending over a small army of equine talent to Ayr in his pursuit of the British Jumps Trainers’ Championship, punters are set for a real treat. We have three Saturday Racing Tips ahead of a massive day of racing.
1.15 Ayr – Scotty Brand Handicap Chase
The three-way battle for the trainers’ title between Paul Nicholls, Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton is reaching a thrilling climax and it could be Skelton who draws first blood with PEMBROKE in the opener. Runner-up in a Grade 2 over hurdles at Cheltenham’s January meeting last season, he finished fifth behind some quality horses such as Inthepocket, Strong Leader and Luccia in a Grade 1 at Aintree to round off his season.
Chasing beckoned next for Pembroke, and although he hasn’t set the world alight over larger obstacles, he was the sole finisher over 2m4f at Aintree on heavy ground in December and has fallen short in Grade 2 company since. He has had wind surgery since his last run and looks to have a great chance back in handicap company with the Skeleton yard in flying form.
2.25 Ayr – Scottish Champion Hurdle
Willie Mullins saddles three runners in the Scottish Champion Hurdle but local hope CRACKING RHAPSODY could continue his brilliant run of form for trainer Ewan Whillans. This improving five-year-old has won three of his five starts over hurdles and looked like a horse way ahead of the handicapper when bolting up in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso last month. More improvement can be expected from this young horse, who is still lightly raced for his age, and he is more than capable of defying an 8lb rise in the weights.
3.35 Ayr – Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase
Mullins has another strong hand in the feature Scottish Grand National but Lucinda Russell’s INIS OIRR could be the one to take all the beating in the hands of Derek Fox. Heavily backed and sent off favourite for the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh when last seen, he gave his backers plenty to shout about when winning with ease. He went off in front and dominated from start to finish, winning by a yawning 21 lengths.
Raised a stone by the handicapper for that easy success, a Scottish Grand National is obviously going to be a much sterner test. But he’s certainly on the upgrade and Russell knows what it takes to win a National. It would be no surprise to see Inis Oirr go off at a short price and he would be a worthy favourite.
By Rob Eddy
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