Top notch line-up creates anticipation for the Coral Scottish Grand National
Harry The Viking trained by champion trainer Paul Nicholls has been declared as the favourite for the Coral Scottish Grand National, which is scheduled to take place at Ayr, on 21st April, 2012.
His finish as a runner-up in the Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase (Amateur Riders' Novices' Chase) in the Cheltenham Festival on 14th
March, 2012, has put him in the limelight with the bettors.
Spokesman of Coral, David Stevens told the press that "We're delighted with the entry for this year's Coral Scottish Grand National, a race that always features in the top ten biggest betting races of the year.
"Our opening favourite is Harry The Viking, his second place in at the Cheltenham Festival proving his likeness for a marathon trip, and trainer Paul Nicholls has suggested Ayr could be his target."
Along with Harry The Viking, Ikorodu Road, trained by Matt Sheppard, will also be entering the race with odds of 10 to 1. His recent races have been outstanding, as he bagged two consecutive victories in March.
He triumphed over Download William Hill From The App-Store Grimthorpe Chase (Handicap Chase) at Doncaster on 3rd March, 2012, where he defeated race favourite, Junior.
In the Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase at Newbury, he defeated, Ouzbeck, at Newbury on 24th March, 2012.
Merigo, son of Pistolet Bleu, out of mare Muleta, will also compete in this race with a chance of 12 to 1. The Andrew Parker trained eleven-year-old gelding triumphed in the Grade 3 Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase at Ayr on 17th April,
2010, where he was mounted by Timmy Murphy and defeated, Gone To Lunch, by 9 lengths.
Recently, he emerged victorious from the Coca-Cola Handicap Chase at Ayr on 9th March, 2012. The victory was narrow as he finished a neck before, Bishops Heir.
The M. Phelan trained seven-year-old gelding, Portrait King, is also part of the line-up, as he recently won the Betfred Eider (Handicap Chase) at Newcastle on 25th February,2012, where he defeated Posh Bird by 3 lengths.
Harry The Viking, owned in partnership by the Manchester United Football Club manager, Sir Alex Ferguson with G. Mason,R. Wood and P. Done, the son of Sir Harry Lewis, out of mare Viking Flame, may also compete in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
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