After last weekend’s Randox Grand National at Aintree, Saturday sees Ayr take the baton for the Coral Scottish Grand National and Willie Mullins could again be in the frame.
Won last year by Kitty’s Light – a fifth-placed finisher in Liverpool – the Ayrshire showpiece is becoming a bigger pointer of future stayers than ever.
For Mullins, the king of Closutton can cap another sensational term on UK soil after Paul Townend’s stunning win on I Am Maximus.
Having sealed a second Grand National win, Mullins can make it a double swoop away from home.
But with a total of six entries, which three look the best punt?
Spanish turn – (17/2 w/Betfred)
At the top of the markets, both Spanish Harlem and Macdermott are pushing newly-installed favourite Git Maker as SP fancy, but it is the former who looks the more appealing.
After finally ending his long wait to ride a Grand National winner, Paul Townend looks to tick one of the few remaining boxes off on his card, the Scottish equivalent.
On a rare visit to Ayr, Spanish Harlem is getting some real punter interest in the final hours before the race.
On of the youngest entries, the 6yo made his debut only 10 months ago but his record is more than decent.
However, this will be the sternest test to date of a fledging race career.
Having won as a debutant in native France, Spanish Harlem has gone seven without a win, but has been at worst third in all but one of those contests – his only non finish was being pulled up in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham last year.
With a run of 3-3-3 this season, this will be a sizeable step-up in trip, but the whispers around the Mullins camp say he can make the jump.
We are inclined to agree.
A ‘Credible take? (11/1 w/Unibet)
Meanwhile, despite two failed attempts in marquee outings this year, Mr Incredible remains a draw.
Finishing runner-up to Beauport in the Midlands National, the 8yo has no concerns over distance, which may apply to a number of runners here.
Beauport wins the bet365 Midlands Grand National Handicap Chase! 🏆
A big victory for Jordan Nailor and Nigel Twiston-Davies! #ITVRacing | @UttoxeterRaces pic.twitter.com/lsRzesCWlV
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 16, 2024
Mr Incredible was unfortunate to unseat Brian Hayes last weekend, having recovered from a faltering start.
Furthermore, on ground which looks similar to the going at Cheltenham from his third place in the Kim Muir, Mr Incredible can make a mark.
Now more than used to the trip, over fewer and less challenging fences, Paddy Mullins can take his mount one step further than last month.
Wan to watch (33/1 w/BetUK)
Further down the weights, Mullins could have a handy hoper in We’llhavewan.
Though more of a heavy ground performer, the 9yo gelding has won two of his last five.
Sire of former Prix De Paris winner, Imperial Monarch, the draw of We’llhavewan is not just his name, but his versatility – on paper at least.
Wins have come not only in the mire, but also on yielding/soft turf and took home victory on good ground at Ballinrobe last May.
Not only that, the gelding also ticks a bit of a box with his last four trips over 3m+, last time out over 3m5f in the Irish National at Fairyhouse.
Grabbing a final sixth place there, We’llhavewan might just put on a better show in Ayr.
The 2024 Coral Scottish Grand National takes place at Ayr on Saturday, race time 15:35 BST.
