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Merigo Aims for Tartan Triumph
13/04/12

Course specialist Merigo bids to make it a tartan triumph in Saturday’s Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr Racecourse for trainer Andrew Parker and owner Raymond Anderson Green.

Merigo
© Grossick Racing Photography

The 11 year old won the race in 2010, was second last year and triumphed at the track last month over a shorter distance.

Owner and trainer are confident of a big run with Raymond Anderson Green’s son in law Timmy Murphy taking the mount again. Sponsors MansionBet currently have Merigo priced at 12/1.

The favourite for the race is Harry The Viking, part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson and the 7/1 chance is the likely mount of Ruby Walsh.

Scotland’s leading trainer Lucinda Russell is likely to be represented by Red Harbour but Lie Forrit, trained in the Borders by Willie Amos is a doubtful runner with the going currently Good, Good to Firm in places.

Ireland’s hopes rest with the well fancied Portrait King, winner of the Eider Chase at Newcastle for Maurice Phelan and likely to be ridden by Denis O’Regan.

The main supporting race on Saturday is the Isle of Skye Blended Whisky Scottish Champion Hurdle and the likely favourite here is Edgardo Sol from Paul Nicholls yard in the hands of Ruby Walsh. Winner of Thursday’s Red Rum Chase at Aintree, the highly rated horse returns to hurdling with the trainer confident.

Ayr also races on Friday with the feature race the Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase . First race on Friday is 2.20 pm with gates open at 12.20 pm and on Saturday the action is underw ay at 1.40 pm and gates open at 11.00 am.