The Coral Scottish Grand National takes centre stage at Ayr today (3.45) and while my heart says Lie Forrit my head says Sego Success at 14/1.
Sego Success is trained by Alan King, who saddled Godsmedjudge to win the contest in 2013 and finish runner-up last year, and has had just four starts over fences – winning twice.
The seven-year-old opened his account at the second time of asking over the larger obstacles when getting the better of the useful If In Doubt over 3m 1f at Wetherby, and followed-up in good style at Warwick when easily beating Grand Vision and Deputy Dan.
He was then far from disgraced last time out when fifth of 17 to Cause Of Causes in the National Hunt Chase over 4m at the Cheltenham Festival, and the assessor has since dropped him 2lb to a mark of 141.
That puts him in off a nice weight of 10st 5lb, and he has a similar profile to Godsmejudge who finished third in the National Hunt Chase before powering to victory two years ago.
Sego Success is still very unexposed over longer distances and open to further improvement, and will also be suited by the guranteed strong pace in the race.
With Wayne Hutchinson in the saddle, everything points to a huge run.
Lie Forrit is trained in Scotland by Lucinda Russell who has dreamed of winning the race for a long time and came closest to doing so when Kerry Lads finished runner-up to Grey Abbey in 2004.
The 11-year-old has has looked better than ever this season in winning three of his four starts, and put in a real gutsy effort last time out when beating Harry The Viking in the 3m 5f Grand National Trial at Haydock.
The pair pulled 19 lengths clear of the third home Monbeg Dude who has since gone on to finish third in the Crabbie’s Grand National, and the form has a solid look to it.
Judge on that effort, Lie Forrit commands the utmost respect and and there would not be a more popular winner given connections.
Lie Forrit was ridden to success seven-times by Campbell Gillies, one of the most promising jockeys I have seen in the sport who sadly lost his life in a swimming accident whilst on holiday, and is owned by his grandfather John McNeill, uncle Crawford McNeill and mother Lesley.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Sego Success (14/1 bet365, BetVictor, Coral, Ladbrokes -BOG, 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4,5)
