- ‘Vintage’ Scottish National redeemer
- Boitron Hannon’s Newbury ace
VINTAGE Clouds could be set to redeem himself in Saturday’s 4 miles Coral £250,000 Scottish Grand National at Ayr – after coming a cropper at the first fence in last weekend’s Aintree Grand National.
“It was one of the most disappointing days I’ve ever had at the Aintree Grand National,” said owner Trevor Hemmings.
Vintage Clouds finished third in the 2018 Scottish Grand National and following the fall at Aintree, trainer Sue Smith said: “He’s okay. Vintage Clouds has been out and done his work – he’s eating well – so we’re very happy with him.
“It was very disappointing at Aintree – a lot of people had put in a lot of work to get him there – but that’s racing, the jumps are there to be jumped.”
Hemmings has been successful in winning the Scottish Grand National with Vicente, twice, and Vintage Clouds who finished behind winner Joe Farrell last year, is seen to have a punters chance.
“I don’t see any reason why Vintage Clouds shouldn’t run very well,” said Smith.
Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Cogry, Carole’s Destrier, trained by Neil Mulholland, Alan King’s Dingo Dollar, Beware The Bear, Big River and Crosshue Boy are all noted in the 28 runners going to post.
In the CPMS Scottish Champion Hurdle over 2 miles Nicky Henderson trained Mister Fisher, a distance winner, is each way value odds at 8-1.
Nube Negra (11-2) trained by Dan Skeleton leads the betting. Redicean, trained by Alan King, is also worthy of ew support at 8-1.
*Barry Geraghty is eyeing a return to the saddle in July after sustaining injury at Aintree last week.
“I’ve undergone surgery to repair my broken tibia and fibula. The repaired bones are secured with an external frame,” said Geraghty.
At NEWBURY John Gosden trained Too Darn Hot misses the Watership Down Stud Greenham Stakes, due to injury.
Too Darn Hot, is priced at 11-10 for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 4, and 4-1 in the 2019 Investec Derby.
Richard Hannon trained Boitron goes to post as 5-2 favourite in the Greenham Stakes following Too Darn Hot’s withdrawal.
Boitron who ran well in Group One company in France, will face a handful of unexposed colts including stablemate Urban Icon, who has won both his starts: “Boitron is a lovely colt who we have always liked. A son of Le Havre,” said Hannon.
AYR selections: 1.25 Magic Saint. 1.55 Molly The Dolly. 2.25 Redicean, Mister Fisher (ew). 3.00 Monbeg Legend (ew). Scottish Grand National 3.35: Vintage Clouds, Crosshue Boy, Big River, Dingo Dollar (all ew). 4.10 Cartwright. 4.45 Legalized. 5.20 Mam Trasna.
NEWBURY selections: 1.40 Young Rascal. 2.10 Dancing Vega. 2.40 Boitron. 3.15 Escobar (ew). 3.50 Cristal Tribe. 4.25 Raise You. 5.00 Pianissimo. 5.30 Military Law.
BANGOR selections: 1.45 Barton Knoll. 2.15 Financial Outcome. 2.45 Commis D’Office. 3.20 Wazowski. 3.55 Little Stevie (ew). 4.30 Timcoda (ew). 5.05 Anax. 5.40 Maria Francesca (ew).
THIRSK selections: 2.00 Kidda. 2.30 Jm Jackson. 3.05 Kenny The Captain (ew). 3.40 King’s Advice. 4.15 Leodis Dream. 4.50 So Beloved. 5.25 Senza Limiti.
WOLVERHAMPTON selections: 6.00 Krazy Paving. 6.30 Poeta Brasiliero. 7.00 Marshal Dan. 7.30 Snooker Jim. 8.00 Another Reason. 8.30 Emirates Empire.
