Coral Scottish Grand National
Ayr 15:35
Grade 3 Handicap Chase,
£150,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus,
3m 7f 176y, Class 1   
Saturday 20th April 2024

QuinnBet

Anglers Crag is setting his sights on the Scottish Grand National following a hard-fought victory in the Eider Chase at Newcastle.

This nine-year-old has taken a liking to Brian Ellison’s yard, securing wins in all four starts since joining the stable this season. His impressive journey includes handicap chase triumphs at Carlisle, Market Rasen, and Musselburgh, with the latter being an emphatic 11-length win.

At Newcastle, Anglers Crag entered the race at odds of 11-2, ridden by jockey Henry Brook. Despite challenging conditions on heavy ground and stepping up to a grueling four miles and half a furlong, Anglers Crag showcased remarkable stamina, prevailing by a neck.

The horse is owned and bred by Derrick Mossop, who also bred the dam. In response to his recent success, the handicapper has raised Anglers Crag’s ratings by 8 pounds, placing him at a career-high mark of 134. This elevation puts him in contention for valuable staying handicaps.

“He’s hard as nails, he’s come out of the race really well,” said Ellison.

“He’s done really well, he’s surprised us a bit with how much he’s improved. We’re over the moon with him really.

“He just seems to like the way we train him. The lad that rides him, Andy Robertson, has made a massive difference to him.

“He gets on really well with him, he takes him out on his own a lot and he’s really settled now.

“He’ll go for the Scottish National, it just seems the obvious place to go now and the handicapper hasn’t missed him either – he’s put him up 8lb.

“The owner is a great bloke and it’s really good when you breed one and they do well, hopefully there’s more to come.”

Boylesports

Coral Scottish Grand National
 £150,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 3m 7f 176y, Class 1
entries
Going: