SUPER HERO
Jonjo’s National hope has Scot the lot at Ayr
I’M holding out for a hero — ANOTHER HERO — in the Coral Scottish Grand National (3.55, ITV) at Ayr.
Jonjo O’Neill’s (below) ace tackles the four-mile trip for the first time on Scotland’s west coast – and the marathon distance is the key. The eight-yearold couldn’t summon a change of gear at Ascot in December and Doncaster in January – but Aidan Coleman’s mount was staying on to the finish on each occasion. Another Hero finished 13th to Domesday Book in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time – but interference before the halfway stage left him with a mountain to climb. My selection, equipped with cheekpieces, has had just seven outings over the larger obstacles – winning novice events at Ascot and Ludlow – and, with improvement expected over this afternoon’s extra yardage, Another Hero is weighted to land the first prize.
MOHAAYED has the class to lift the QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle (2.45, ITV) at Ayr.
A useful performer on the Flat in Ireland, the fiveyear-old joined Dan Skelton for a hurdling career in the autumn, making it third time lucky over obstacles at Taunton in February.
Mohaayed was then sent off at 16-1 for the County Hurdle and ran a sound race for a horse so light on experience to finish seventh. Although 1lb out of the handicap today, Harry Skelton’s mount has plenty going for him.
After getting back to winning form at Aintree 16 days ago, DOUBLE W’S is the one to be on in the Scotty Brand Handicap Chase (3.20, ITV).
His one-length margin over The in val was the seven-year-old’s third victory of the season and Double W’s can overcome a 5lb rise in the weights.
The Champion Novices’ Chase (2.10, ITV) should go to CLOUDY DREAM, who can go one better after silver medals at Cheltenham and Aintree.
The Hamilton Novices’ Handicap Chase (1.40, ITV) is wide open, but MINELLA
ON LINE has won both his completed outings for Oliver Sherwood and is on an upward curve.