Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Pipe Keeps Junior at Ayr


David Pipe's Junior, an early faller at Aintree on Saturday, has been left in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr this weekend.

David Pipe's charge had his whole season built around the John Smith's Grand National but came down at the second fence and would carry top weight at Ayr.

West End Rocker, another early Aintree casualty, is also still in the mix for Alan King. King could also run the novice Walkon.

Benny Be Good, Knockara Beau, Fruity O'Rooney and Galaxy Rock are also towards the head of the weights.

Paul Nicholls, looking to follow up the victory of Neptune Collonges, runs ante-post favourite Harry The Viking, part-owned by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Matt Sheppard's Ikorodu Road, winner of two decent races recently, is another leading fancy to stand his ground.

Lie Forrit, 2010 winner Merigo and Eider Chase victor Portrait King are also among the 35 left in.

Harry The Viking is 6-1 favourite with the sponsors, Coral. "Trainer Paul Nicholls enjoyed success in the biggest National of them all on Saturday, and we make Harry The Viking clear favourite to give the stable further big race success this weekend," said Coral's David Stevens.

"However, opposition to the favourite, co-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, is headed by the 2010 winner and last year's runner-up, Merigo, and Portrait King, who proved his liking for a marathon trip with his Eider Chase victory."

Coral Scottish National - sponsors bet: 6-1 Harry The Viking, 9-1 Merigo, Portrait King, 10-1 Ikorodu Road, Knockara Beau, 14-1 Galaxy Rock, West End Rocker, 16-1 Fruity O'Rooney, Lie Forrit, 20-1 Auroras Encore, Benny Be Good, Lively Baron, Mostly Bob, Walkon, 25-1 bar.