Who will Willie Mullins run during the Scottish Grand National Festival?

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Tue 16 Apr 2024 16:08

Jon Vine 16 Apr 2024

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A quick look at the entries for Scottish Grand National day at Ayr on April 20th
Willie Mullins holds multiple entries as he continues his bid to be British Champion Trainer

Willie Mullins pictured at Cheltenham. (Getty)

Find out who Willie Mullins has entered for this week's Scottish Grand National Festival.

I Am Maximus' win in the British Grand National last Saturday saw Willie Mullins jump to the head of the British Champion Trainer standings. The Irishman has amassed £2,874,693 in prize money from just 19 winners on British soil this term. Dan Skelton (112 winners) is £50k behind Mullins, with reigning Champion Trainer, Paul Nicholls (122 winners) £140k adrift of the new leader.

With a maiden British Champion Trainer gong within his sights, Willie Mullins has entered up a number of his big guns for this week's Scottish Grand National meeting at Ayr. Here are some of his best chances...

1:15pm Saturday - Scotty Brand Handicap Chase

Former Grade One-winning hurdler, Sharjah has been entered for this two-mile handicap chase and the proceeding three mile handicap over fences. Willie Mullins has also entered Dan Moore winner UNCLE PHIL in the opener. Paul Townend's mount romped to victory in that valuable two-mile handicap at Fairyhouse in January and will run off a 10-pound higher mark at Ayr this weekend.

2:25pm Saturday - Scottish Champion Hurdle

Onlyamatteroftime has finished down the field in the Greatwood, the Betfair Exchange Trophy and the Betfair Hurdle so far this season, but sits prominently in the betting for this valuable contest. Westport Cove has also been entered, along with BIALYSTOK, who could never get involved from the rear in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, but did finish a close fourth in the Grade One Royal Bond back in December, and was brought down when travelling well in a handicap at the Dublin Racing Festival.

3:00pm Ayr - Mares Handicap Hurdle

Willie has four mares entered in this three-mile handicap and all four would be making their handicap debuts. The best form belongs to A Penny A Hundred, and it will be interesting to see what sort of opening mark she gets. SAYLAVEE has always shaped like a stayer to me and she'll come into the race fresh, having been off the track since a runner-up effort behind Hispanic Moon in the Quevega Mares' Hurdle at Punchestown in February.

3:35pm Ayr - Scottish Grand National

MACDERMOTT has been backed into favouritism for the Scottish Grand National, following events at Aintree over the weekend. Willie Mullins' novice opened his account over fences with a superb victory on Irish National day at Fairyhouse, and looks set to carry a weight of just 10-7 into Saturday's feature. Mr Incredible also looks set to make an appearance, despite unseating his rider when trailing at the 15th in the British Grand National at the weekend.

4:45pm Ayr - Tennent's Novices' Hurdle

Chosen Witness has been entered here, along with the preceding three-mile handicap for novices, and should play a big part if he turns up in either. Lecky Watson, Quai De Bourbon, Captain Cody and Gold Dancer would be hard to beat in this maiden hurdle. I'm expecting BILLERICAY DICKIE to be aimed at the Punchestown Festival instead, but he looked like an excellent prospect when winning on debut and I wouldn't be keen to side against him.

5:20pm - National Hunt Flat Race

Willie Mullins has four entered in Saturday's card closer and one is bound to go off as the favourite. Inn At The Park has placed third behind useful sorts on his two starts this term and would warrant plenty of respect. C'EST TA CHANCE was deemed good enough to run in the Champion Bumper, and although he could only finish 13th at Cheltenham, this would represent a steep drop in class.

Verdict

Willie Mullins' runners at Ayr:

Bialystock

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