We have just opened our ante-post market, for the 2017 Scottish Grand National (Ayr, Saturday 22nd April). This is a very-rich handicap, with a purse of £210,000. Which horses are currently heading the betting?
Join RaceBets And Claim Your Welcome Bonus Now!Vicente (FR)
Age: 8 (Foaled March 30th, 2009)
Sex: Bay Gelding
Breeding: Dom Alco (FR) – Ireland (FR) (Kadalko (FR))
Trainer: P F Nicholls
Owner: Mr Trevor Hemmings
Won this race in 2016, beating Alvarado by almost 3 lengths. Has raced 5 times since then and shown fairly indifferent form, falling twice and not placing in the other 3 races. The very-first fence accounted for him, in the Aintree Grand National and Vicente has it all to do, if he is going to defend his Scottish crown.
Premier Bond
Age: 7 (Foaled March 9th, 2010)
Sex: Bay Gelding
Breeding: Kayf Tara – Celtic Native (IRE) (Be My Native (USA))
Trainer: N J Henderson
Owner: Middleham Park Racing XI
Won at Doncaster, although the favourite Aux Ptits Soins was abject in this contest and never a threat after blundering 7 fences out. 3rd-place in the Kim Muir, at Cheltenham, is a much-more convincing bit of form though and Nicky Henderson looks to have a real chance with this one.
Southfield Royale
Age: 7 (Foaled May 12th, 2010)
Sex: Bay Gelding
Breeding: Presenting – Chamoss Royale (FR) (Garde Royale)
Trainer: N P Mulholland
Owner: Mrs Angela Yeoman
The 7-year-old’s last victory came in the G2 December Novices’ Chase, at Doncaster (2015). Still finding friends in the market, despite going backwards since then and falling at the 9th fence in the Kim Muir.
This is still a very-open-looking affair and a huge number of horses are attracting bets. There include Seeyouatmidnight, Yala Enki, Vintage Clouds and Mysteree.
Race History
This contest was first held in 1858 and known back then as the West of Scotland Grand National. The horses had to jump 32 stone walls, in what must have been a brutal and bruising encounter.
The National moved to Bogside Racecourse in 1867, where it found a home until the venue closed in the mid-1960s. It has been held at Ayr, ever since.
A number of horses have won both the English and Scottish Nationals, although only Red Rum managed to complete the feat in the same year.
A trio of horses have won the race on 3 occasions. They are Couvrefeu II, Southern Hero and Queen’s Taste. Other famous Champions include Willsford, Earth Summit, Litte Polvier and The Spaniard.
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