The Scottish Grand National - Ayr (22nd April 2006)

4m 1f - Gala Casinos Daily Record Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) 5yo+

The significant historical stats and facts (courtesy of the Weatherby National Hunt Betting Guide) are

. Aged 7 or 8
. Placed in quality handicap company last time out.
. Proven over 3m2f
. First or second season chaser
. Top quarter of the market
. Previous class A winner
. Trained by Paul Nicholls or Fredy Murphy
. Ran well in the Midlands Grand National or Eider Chase

There’s no getting away from Idle Talk who ran 2nd in the Gr1 Royal & Sunalliance Steeple Chase at Cheltenham. Top rated, a class act, however he may be favourite given the weight of money this morning (and tipped up by Pricewise)

FATE OF FAVOURITES: 4U0110UUFPP

Not good, So to add to my three against the field I’m going to select Darkness. A very progressive novice and “potentially” the best staying novice seen this year. 11 lengths behind Idle Talk in the Sunalliance, if he can brush up on his jumping he can AP McCoy have good claims to make it 3 from 3 as a winning partnership.

L’Aventure is a sentimental selection as she got my bank balance moving after winning the Welsh Grand National in December. If she is in the mood today ????, her e/w price is far too big for one that is proven at today’s race conditions.