Paul Nicholls, the champion trainer, landed his first Grand National with Neptune Collonges at Aintree at the weekend and his Harry The Viking, owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, is the 6-1 favourite for the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday.
Ruby Walsh, who will return to the saddle at the Scottish course on Friday after his fall from Zarkandar last Saturday in the Aintree Hurdle, fancies his chances on the seven-year-old, second to Teaforthree at Cheltenham.
"He ran a cracker to come second in the four-miler at the Cheltenham Festival, and must have a great chance," Walsh said.
The race sponsors also report money for Scotland-trained pair Lie Forrit (12-1 from 16-1) and Abbeybraney (25-1 from 40-1).
Coral's David Stevens said: "Merigo was a popular 'home' winner of Scotland's biggest race two years ago, and the money for Lie Forrit and Abbeybraney suggests the prize could be staying north of the border once again although Ferguson will be hoping that is not the case."
Early Grand National casualty Junior could bid for swift compensation in the Scottish equivalent. The Royal Ascot and Cheltenham Festival winner was considered by many as a major contender last weekend, but his race was over by the second fence.
Trainer David Pipe reports the nine-year-old to be none the worse and he could make the journey from Devon to Scotland.
The Pond House handler said: "Junior was an early casualty, departing at the second fence and, as such, he doesn't know that he has had a race.
"We have left him in the Scottish National at Ayr this weekend and he could well participate in that, although he will have to contend with top weight."
In today's action, plenty of attention will surround Valbchek in the £150,000 Tattersalls Millions Three-Year-Old Sprint at Newmarket.
The Jeremy Noseda-trained colt was a real buzz horse on his debut at Lingfield last month, with Johnny Murtagh jetting in for the ride, and winning accordingly.
He pulled very hard through the first half of the six-furlong heat and appeared inexperienced when asked by Murtagh to challenge in the home straight. Valbchek was left in the lead when Aurens unshipped Adam Beschizza approaching the furlong pole.
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