Well we got it right at Aintree last week so let’s see what we can make of the Scottish National at Ayr tomorrow. Merigo won last season and is only 3 lbs higher this time round so merits consideration. Runner up for the last two years’ Gone to Lunch has actually gone down 8 lbs since last season’s race and has to have a good chance.
The Minack might find this trip a bit too far and would also probably want the ground a little softer. One that will be suited by the ground is Fredo who also jumps and travels well and might be suited by this test of stamina. Gansey is a horse I like but both trip and ground would seem a problem. In addition he does his winning in small fields. My short list would be Merigo, Gone to Lunch and Fredo.
I thought about Locked Inthepocket for the opener at 1.50. He is the only course winner in the field but the ground probably won’t be soft enough for him.
There are plenty in with chances in the 2.50. Overturn has been running in good company and will be suited by fast ground. Mille Chief finished last in the Champion Hurdle but had been in good form before that. Hunterview is a course and distance winner and seems to handle any ground while Via Gallilei has been the model of consistency this season winning twice and running well in competitive races. Tough call but Hunterview ticks most of the right boxes although I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the other 3 were to win.
Both Humbie’s wins have come on good ground and he looks to have a sound chance in the 5.05.
My main hope at Haydock is Captain Kolo who does not looks too badly weighted in the 6.00.
At Newbury Modun and Bourne stand out as the likely winners in the 1.35. Both have strong form and I can’t split them.
Cape Dollar won a Group 2 at Newmarket in October and looks the one to be on in the 2.40.
Frankel may well be a superstar and will be expected to win the 3.10 but the 3.45 is much more competitive. I had a short list of 5 for this but I have put a line through Leviathan as I think the ground will be too fast for him and he may be better att 7 furlongs. Light from Mars ran quite well in the Lincoln and has a race of this nature in him. Bravo Echo comes here on the back of a couple of wins on the all weather in January. Prime Exhibit is yet to win over a mile while Brick Red is unproven on quick ground. I am inclined to take a chance on Brick Red but it looks an open race.
The well bred Colombian is my selection in the 5.25.
Today’s picture, by the artist Jenny Lupton, of the Paris Pike winner of the 2000 Scottish National.
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