YOUR OWN STORY (3.35) can cap Lucinda Russell’s magnificent season by taking the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
The Arlary Ace landed the Aintree version in style with the mighty Corach Rambler seven days ago. And she can add Scotland’s biggest Jump race to her tally with this strong-travelling seven-year-old. The gelding looked a smart recruit to chasing when second on debut to Kinondo Kwetu at Aintree. Not as good at Haydock, he bounced back with a superb second to the useful Gold Cup Bailly here. The bay stayed on track with a respectable third to Tip Top Cat in another hot event at Uttoxeter. He kept up the good work when giving fellow improver Stumptown most resistance at Sandown. However, the chaser really excelled himself when slamming Innisfree Lad over 3m 7f at Wetherby. He then warmed-up nicely for today with a fine second to Equus Dreamer on soft going at Haydock. The star will be trained to the minute so he can make his class tell under big-race expert Derek Fox.
Russell can double-up with SERIOUS OPERATOR (4.10) in the Tennent's Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old didn’t stay three miles when sixth behind Makin'yourmindup in a Haydock Grade 2. However, he retains plenty of ability so he can resume winning ways dropped in both trip and class.
Dan Skelton targets this meeting so I’m on FRERE D'ARMES (1.15) in the Scotty Brand Chase. The six-year-old oozed class when routing Haddex Des Obeaux on his fencing bow at Kempton. The gelding took his form up another notch when slamming the classy Aucunrisque at Newbury. Off for 128-days, he returned with an excellent second to fast-improving Black Gerry at Ascot. The bay should be fighting fit so he can resume winning ways in another competitive contest.
CITY CHIEF (1.50) can take control for Nicky Henderson in the Cpms Novices' Champion Chase. The gelding peaked over hurdles when cosily defeating Hidden Heroics at this meeting last year. He kept up the good work when second to the classy Gelino Bello switched to fences at Exeter. The six-year-old quickly built on that effort when hacking up from Coconut Splash at Haydock. He then shrugged-off a step up to Grade 2 level when routing O'toole in the Towton at Wetherby. The bay looks open to plenty more progress so he can get the better of some exciting opponents.
COLONEL MUSTARD (2.25) looks deadly for Lorna Fowler in the Scottish Champion Hurdle. The gelding first caught the eye with a cracking third to Echoes In Rain in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse. He then got a lot closer to that high-class rival when second at the highest level at Punchestown. Off the mark at Galway, the hurdler then gave Jonbon most resistance in the Kennel Gate at Ascot. Not disgraced in Grade 1s at Leopardstown and Cheltenham, his form quickly began to tail-off. However, the eight-year-old hit back when second to Benson in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso. I doubt we’ve seen the best of this pacey type who can shade a trappy event for his skilled trainer.
HANG IN THERE (3.00) can go the distance for Emma Lavelle in the Future Champions’ Chase. The gelding opened his fencing account by thrashing Carys' Commodity in a warm Uttoxeter novice. He added plenty more members to his fan club when bolting up at Worcester and Market Rasen. The nine-year-old was just as impressive when brushing aside Hell Red up in class at Newton Abbot. However, the bay failed to handle the undulating track when pulled up at Cheltenham a month later. He quickly atoned by showing the fast-rising Mortlach no mercy in Grade 2 company at Wincanton. The son of Yeats is still on the upgrade so he can land another strong event after a well-earned rest.
LEADING FORCE (4.45) can conquer his rivals for Sandy Thomson in the Macklin Motors Hurdle. The six-year-old looked better than ever when edged out by Hot As Pepper in a Hexham maiden. The gelding is largely unexplored over 2m 4f so he can take full advantage of a fair opening mark.
LUCKIE SEVEN (5.20) can give Nicky Richards more glory here in the Prestwick Open Bumper. The five-year-old put the promising Crystal Mer to the sword on his second start at Doncaster. The gelding clearly has a bright future so he can add this fascinating contest to his growing CV.
AYR TIPS
1.15 FRERE D'ARMES
1.50 CITY CHIEF
2.25 COLONEL MUSTARD
3.00 HANG IN THERE
3.35 YOUR OWN STORY (NAP)
4.10 SERIOUS OPERATOR
4.45 LEADING FORCE
5.20 LUCKIE SEVEN
