2009 Scottish Grand National Preview

The national hunt season heads towards its conclusion this Saturday as a host of handicap specialists prepare to run in the 2009 Scottish Grand National.

Paul Nicholls’ Dear Villez heads the weights for the season’s final major grade 3 handicap, with Jimmy Moffat’s Chief Dan George topping the betting markets after two recent wins at Catterick and Kelso.

King Dan George’s support is also based on his preference for faster ground, and Moffat believes his entry will thrive on the fast turf at Ayr on Sunday.

The Scots will be looking for the first home winner since 1982 when Merigo takes to the turf at Ayr. Andrew Parker’s Eider Chase winner is 10/1 in the antepost markets, but his trainer is concerned that the ground may not suit him.

“It just depends on the ground whether he’ll definitely run or not,” said Parker. “It’s got to be safe ground for him. He’s run there a few times and he’s done nothing wrong. And he’s one of the horses you’d guarantee your life on him staying the trip.”

Staying power is likely to decide the winner at the 2009 Scottish Grand National. The race is the second longest grade 3 handicap in the UK at 4 miles 110 yards, behind the 4 miles 4 furlongs run during the Grand National at Aintree.

William Hill is paying each-way to 4th place in the 2009 Scottish Grand National.