We've published our guide to the 2021 Scottish Grand National
This historic handicap will take place at Ayr racecourse on Sunday 18th April
Aye Right tops the betting, ahead of Dingo Dollar and Sam's Adventure
Get the latest odds, eight key trends and our two against the field here
Expired
A view of the runners in the Scottish Grand National. (Getty)
The highlight of the season in Scotland takes place this weekend, as a field of top-quality handicappers take part in the Scottish Grand National. As a mark of respect for the Duke Of Edinburgh, whose funeral takes place on Saturday, Ayr's Scottish National card has been pushed back to Sunday afternoon.
We've taken a look through the latest betting and picked out some key trends, before coming up with our best betting tips.
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Aye Right has endured a frustrating season, placing in five of his six starts. Despite failing to win, Harriet Graham's star is now eight pounds higher in the handicap than where he started the season, and horses towards the top of the weights have a poor recent record in the Scottish Grand National.
Vintage Clouds comes into this on the back of a sparkling victory in the Ultima at Cheltenham. However, only four of the last 15 winners of this handicap ran at that season's Cheltenham Festival, and three were novices who ran in the National Hunt Chase.
All seven of Sam's Adventure's career wins have come on very soft and heavy ground, so I can't see the conditions suiting him on Sunday. Soldier Of Love will relish the ground, but he hasn't been seen since pulling up at Cheltenham in November.
Given how dominant Irish raiders have been in Britain this season, Mister Fogpatches and Eurobot are likely to garner support. Mister Fogpatches, though, is a maiden chaser who's never won over three miles, and Eurobot is running off a mark five pounds higher than his rating in Ireland. Neither really hold much appeal.
Dingo Dollar (centre) stays on to place in the 2019 Ladbrokes Trophy. (Getty)
18+ only. Ts and Cs apply. Gamble responsibly. Coral is operated by LC International Limited and licensed and regulated by the British Gambling Commission for persons gambling in Great Britain. For persons gambling outside Great Britain, Coral is licensed by the Government of Gibraltar and regulated by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner.
Sandy Thomson is yet to win his home Grand National, but he looks to have a fantastic opportunity here with DINGO DOLLAR.
Alan King said several times that Dingo Dollar was a Scottish National horse when he was housed at Barbury Castle. During his time with King, this nine-year-old won twice over fences. He also placed second in the 2019 Grimthorpe Chase and twice placed in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.
A surprise move to Sandy Thomson's yard followed in March, and Dingo Dollar proved himself a very well-handicapped horse just six days later, bolting up under top-weight at Newcastle. Ryan Mania's mount hit the line hard that day, winning by ten lengths and looked like he was ready to go out on a third circuit of that testing track.
The handicapper has thrown Dingo Dollar back up to a mark of 145, meaning he'll have to carry 11-2 on Sunday. Yet, both Of Dingo Dollar's placed efforts in the Ladbrokes Trophy came off higher marks, and good ground certainly enhances his chances.
2021 Scottish Grand National Tip 2 - Coup De Pinceau
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I considered Some Chaos and Chidswell for my second bet, and I might have a little saver on both, just in case. However, I was so impressed by COUP DE PINCEAU'S performance last time out, I can't pass up the chance to back him at 33/1.
On his first start for Nick Mitchell, Angus Cheleda guided Coup De Pinceau to a superb 12-length victory at Taunton, surging clear of some decent rivals down the home straight to win by 12 lengths.
After that race, Mitchell claimed his nine-year-old recruit was more comfortable on softer ground. Yet, during his time with Paul Nicholls, nearly all of Coup De Pinceau's wins came on good ground, including an excellent victory under top-weight at Perth back in September.
Angus Cheleda, who's enjoyed an excellent campaign, takes seven off Mitchell's charge again, reducing his burden to just 10-1. At 33/1, Coup De Pinceau certainly looks overpriced.
Verdict
Dingo Dollar should be well suited by the challenges of the Scottish National, and he can hand Sandy Thomson a huge victory.
I'm also taking a punt on Coup De Pinceau, who won really well last time out and has proven form on good ground.
2021 Scottish Grand National Tip 1: Dingo Dollar Each-Way @10/1 at Coral - 10 Units
2021 Scottish Grand National Tip 2: Coup De Pinceau Each-Way @33/1 at Coral - 5 Units
18+ New Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excluded. Minimum first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account registration at minimum odds 1/2 to get 4 x £5 free bets. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.
18+ New Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excluded. Minimum first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account registration at minimum odds 1/2 to get 4 x £5 free bets. Free bet available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.
Aye Right 2021 Scottish Grand National FavouriteGET 7/1 HERE
Coup De Pinceau2021 Scottish Grand National Tip 2GET 33/1 HERE
