Hot on the heels of the
Grand National at Aintree – in which we managed third and fourth
from our three, generously-priced selections – the Scottish Grand
National, run over 4 miles at Ayr on 16th April, gives another chance for a tilt at
the ring. Eight of the last ten winners went off at double-figure
prices, including 66/1, 40/1, 33/1 and 25/1 so, once again, we
shouldn’t be afraid to dabble at the ‘wrong’ end of the market.
Golden Chieftain
(25/1) is unlucky not to be chasing a hat-trick, having fallen the
last twice with the race seemingly at his mercy, including in the
Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter four weeks ago. A 4lb rise in
the weights seems more than fair and, with plenty of winning form on
soft and heavy going, it’s something of a mystery why he can be
backed at such long-odds, even if he is on a career-high mark.
Not for the first time,
Shotgun Paddy (25/1) was pulled-up in the Midlands Grand
National, but had previously been running creditably in defeat in
decent company and remains well-handicapped on his best form. He’s
yet to win beyond 3 miles 5 furlongs, but his second of 17, beaten 9
lengths, behind easy winner Rocking Blues in the Eider, over the
testing 4 miles ½ furlong at Newcastle, in February was a solid
effort and he’s 2lb lower in the weights this time.
The progressive Berea
Boru (33/1) has been making hay at a lower level in recent months
and deserves a crack at a big prize. He has stamina to prove, having
yet to race, never mind win, beyond 3 miles over hurdles or fences
and has done all his winning on heavy going. However, with heavy,
thundery rain forecast for the West Midlands on Thursday and Friday,
his ability to act under testing conditions could be a blessing come
Saturday afternoon and his unproven stamina is factored into his
price.
Selections:
Golden Chieftain (25/1 with Coral), Shotgun Paddy (25/1
generally available), Berea Boru (33/1 with Boylesports,
Ladbrokes and William Hill)
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