A field of 21 runners will go to post for the Scottish Grand National, which is one of the biggest betting races of the year. The race will be live on ITV.
Mullins’ Runner: A Second String Contender?
One runner, described as the Mullins second-string, is under scrutiny. Keith Melrose notes that being ridden off the pace at Cheltenham hindered his performance, and he appeared tired over a shorter distance. It’s uncertain how the cheekpieces will impact his performance. While he may have a big win in him, Melrose questions whether it will be under these conditions.
Trainer Mags Mullins said: “He’s in good form so we’re hoping for a clear round and will see how he goes. We’re happy with him. The trip is new territory, but he stayed well over three miles two furlongs at Cheltenham in December so we’re hopeful.”
Nicholls’ Hopeful: Cheltenham Form a Key Indicator
Another runner’s owner sponsors the Cheltenham Festival race where he finished third, suggesting it was a primary target. He finished less than a length behind last week’s Grand National fourth in that race. Melrose suggests his claims are obvious if one can overlook this race being a bonus spin, identifying him as the stronger of Paul Nicholls’ two runners.
Paul Nicholls said: “He ran really well at Cheltenham and the form is working out okay. Will he get the trip? Who knows, but he’s bred to do so.”
Scotland’s Big Hope: A Local Favourite
A runner from the same yard that won in 2021 is considered Scotland’s big hope. He impressed with a win at Kelso in February and a second-place finish at the Cheltenham Festival. However, Melrose notes that he will need to be ridden with more dash.
Joint-trainer Michael Scudamore said: “He ran very well at Cheltenham and seemed to improve for the step up in trip. He has a lot of weight to carry, but the softer ground won’t worry him.”
Midlands National Winner: Can He Repeat the Feat?
Having won last month’s Midlands Grand National, considered a stamina-sapping race, another runner faces a challenge. Paul Nicholls trains him. Melrose believes it would take a special effort to win another four-mile slog so soon, but the five-week gap between races is beneficial.
Paul Nicholls said: “Any more rain will help. He won the Midlands National nicely and has gone up 7lb for it. If it came up really soft, that would suit him.”
Last Year’s Winner: A Potential Each-Way Bet
Last year’s winner is back, now lower in the weights but also 11 years old. Trainer Sam Thomas notes he goes there in great form. He will be as fresh as you could hope for, as none of his three runs this season have constituted much of a race. He wears blinkers for the first time, too. Melrose suggests he could be a good each-way bet.
Sam Thomas said: “It hasn’t been a straightforward season for him, but he goes there in great form. He would