JACOBS’ Crackers

The Paul Nicholls-trained eightyear-old, who was bought by Trevor Hemmings just prior to the Grand National, fell at the first at Aintree but made up for that by retaining his Ayr crown.

It was a close-run thing as Cogry battled away hard in a real tussle after the last, but his trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies was denied by son Sam, who drove Vicente home just as he did a year ago.

Twiston-Davies Sr was also third with the veteran Benbens, with Alvarado placed in the race again in fourth.

Winning jockey Sam said: “Paul had him primed for the National but sadly it didn’t go to plan so he said he’d bring him here and it’s worked SUNDAY SERVICE and last year’s Arc third should have too much toe for the likes of Forgotten Rules and Twilight Payment at 4.25.

But a better value bet at the Leinster track could come from ALTHIBA in the 10 furlong handicap at 4.55.

Kevin Prendergast’s filly has been crying out for a step back up in trip and at the weights is preferred to Leopardstown winner Steeleyed.

Over at Wetherby have a second glance at PADS in the opener (2.10), while SHIMLA DAWN has The Clock Leary to worry about in the staying chase at 3.45. THE WEEK AHEAD The National Hunt season goes out with a bang next Saturday at Sandown with the bet365 Gold Cup and last year’s winner, THE YOUNG MASTER, can double up following his premature departure in the Grand National. He could have most to fear from last year’s second Just A Par and the well-handicapped The Druids Nephew.

HOT TO TROT Last Saturday at Musselburgh SIR CHAUVELIN was given far too much to do by Sam James (above) in the Queen’s Cup and with a bit more give in the ground his chance is surely close at hand.

AYR APPARENT: Vicente jumps the last on his way to victory VICENTE won his second Scottish Grand National in consecutive years as Sam Twiston-Davies denied his father Ayr glory.