We take a look at five possible contenders in the rescheduled 2022 Scottish Grand National on Sunday afternoon.
Scottish Grand National: Five horses worthy of consideration at Ayr
The 2022 Scottish Grand National gets underway at 3:35pm on Sunday 18th April 2022, the date change deemed necessary in order to avoid a clash with the funeral of Prince Philip on Saturday afternoon. A total of 30 runners will contest the four-mile Grade 3 steeplechase and we take a look at five leading contenders in the biggest race north of the border.
Aye Right – 5/1
The firm favourite in the Scottish Grand National at a general 5/1, Aye Right has been the model of consistency for trainer Harriet Graham and he has made the frame in all three hugely competitive handicap chase outings since finishing third in the Grade 2 Charlie Hall. He will certainly relish the marathon trip on Sunday afternoon and we envisage him putting in everything once again.
Takingrisks – 12/1
Winner of the 2019 Scottish Grand National, Takingrisks didn’t make the cut over Aintree’s fences in the Grand National last weekend, however he looked very much at his best after triumphing over Aye Right in the Doncaster Sky Bet Chase three months ago. His Grand National exertions may have possibly left a mark but if back to his best, he is certainly a contender for the Scottish equivalent this weekend.
Vintage Clouds – 12/1
Returned to his very best on the back of some disappointing form when triumphing in the ultra-competitive Ultima at last month’s Cheltenham Festival by five-and-a-half lengths ahead of Happygolucky. Scored second-place in a Grade 3 at Aintree in the Grand National meeting last time out and with some solid form now behind him, he looks a genuine contender to continue the momentum at Ayr on Sunday.
Notachance – 12/1
Will Notachance live up to his name in the Scottish Grand National this weekend? There were valid excuses in the Grand National trial last time out when he went lame, however he was progressive previous to this with a win in the Classic Chase at Warwick over a 3m 5f trip back in January. Trainer Alan King will doubtless have had this race in mind for a considerable length of time and this is one that should be taken seriously.
Mighty Thunder – 12/1
Made the switch to chase in October 2021 and what a good decision that was. Since won three and running one of his best races when caught close to home at Uttoxeter in the Midlands National. Recent form was in the mud, however he triumphed in his bumper on a somewhat livelier surface and as such, ground shouldn’t be an issue on Sunday.
