Russell can fly the Flag in National

LUCINDA Russell is on the verge of beating Lenny Lungo’s Scottish record of j ump winners in a season and victory for GREEN FLAG ( Ayr, 3.50) i n today’s Coral Scottish National can cap a fine campaign.

The Perthshire handler (right), who needs two more winners to post a new Scottish best, is represented threefold in the marathon feature with the admirable Lie Forrit and Nuts N Bolts capable of bold showings along with the selection who arrives on the west coast courtesy of a fine run at the Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old made up an awful lot of late ground to take fourth in a warm handicap last month, finishing on the heels of Holywell and Ma Filleule who fought out the finish and have since gone on to complete highly accomplished victories at Aintree.

His form appears solid and I’m hoping conditions continue to dry out as his stamina is not assured at this trip.

Sam Winner is also on the shortlist as he fits the profile of a number of past winners and emerged with some credit from the RSA Chase, while Mister Marker could outrun his odds as he was third last year, only beaten 13 lengths, and loves the track. NIGHT OF THUNDER (Newbury, nb, 2,55) was hugely impressive on both starts as a two-year- old

and could beat the favourite Kingman in the Greenham Stakes.

The ease in the ground should play to the strengths of this son of Dubawi and he boasted a smart turn of foot last term which could prove a potent weapon today.

AMULET ( Newbury, nap, 3.30) looks a good price to land the Spring Cup for trainer Eve Johnson Houghton as stall 18 may prove a favourable berth for a front runner who boasts course and distance form. I also like the fact that Silvestre De Sousa has been booked.