Big-race tips: why this horse can win the 2022 Scottish Grand National at Ayr

Rather than taking place after the big one, this year's Scottish Grand National (3.35 Ayr) will instead act as an aperitif before Aintree.

All eyes will be on Ayr on Saturday, and we have asked Racing Post tipsters to pick out their best bet in the feature race . . .

3.35 Ayr Saturday: Coral Scottish Grand National racecard and betting

Major Dundee

Current odds: 16-1

By Keith Melrose

You will have already heard about the record of novices in the race and Alan King made his contribution to that with Godsmejudge in 2013.

That horse was runner-up in the same race a year later, but Major Dundee has had an even quieter prep and comes here totally unexposed. He has looked every inch a marathon chaser in the making, but still managed to win in both a 2m5f at Fakenham (on good ground) and a fast-finishing 3m at Bangor. This also came before finishing second in a strong novice handicap chase at Newbury on Greatwood Gold Cup day.

Bubble burst? Not a bit of it. You would take short odds that a spring marathon has always been the aim for Major Dundee and he looks a sure thing to improve further when granted just that sort of test on Saturday.

Stormy Judge

Current odds: 10-1

By David Jennings

Pat Fahy went close last year with Mister Fogpatches and his full-brother Stormy Judge could go two places better.

The seven-year-old has already proven to be a different animal over fences to what he was over hurdles and it seems obvious that Fahy has had the Scottish National in mind for him for quite some time, given he only returned in February after a 351-day absence.

I loved the way he moved through the Leinster National at Naas earlier this month, trading at a low of evens in-running on Betfair, and it was very interesting to hear Fahy say that he would improve for the blowout.

Danny Mullins will take the ride on Stormy Judge at AyrCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

The key piece of form that catches my eye is Stormy Judge's win at Navan in March of last year. He beat Grand National contender Enjoy D'allen and Paddy Power winner School Boy Hours there and did so with a degree of authority.

A mark of 139 might underestimate him and, with Danny Mullins booked, do not be surprised to see him go off as favourite. There is still some 12-1 available and that is worth snapping up immediately.

Fantastikas

Current odds: 16-1

By James Hill

The trip is a question mark with Fantastikas, but I just think 16-1 is too big for a horse of his ability. He is trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has won this race twice before with novices that have featured at Cheltenham.

The seven-year-old is super consistent and his RPRs in all of his chase appearances have been above 140. His third to L'Homme Presse at Cheltenham on New Year's Day is a top piece of form, while his seventh at the festival was another good run. They must be tempted to have a crack off 1lb lower.

The Ferry Master

Current odds: 10-1

By Jack Haynes

This nine-year-old ran a fantastic race in this last year when fourth on his fifth chase start, and off a 5lb lower mark he has to go close for Sandy Thomson and Ryan Mania.

He underwent wind surgery in January and will be spot on for a return to Ayr after finishing second in a three-runner race at Newcastle earlier this month.

He equalled his Scottish National RPR last time and with the prospect of better ground at the weekend (his best RPR came on good ground at Newcastle last season), he can post a big career best.

Cool Mix

Current odds: 16-1

By Owen Goulding

Fifth in the race 12 months ago, Cool Mix sneaks in at the bottom of the weights and the Iain Jardine-trained veteran can deservedly get his day in the sun.

He was racing off 6lb higher when beaten eight lengths in his previous attempt of the race and he's gone well without winning in four starts this season, latterly when second at Musselburgh over too short of a trip.

Can Cool Mix enjoy his day in the sun at Ayr?Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

He goes well on a better surface, so ground conditions will certainly be in his favour, and his best form has come at left-handed, galloping tracks. He's uncomplicated, will be up with the pace throughout and I struggle to see him out of the places.

Read these next:

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'It might never happen again' – Judge to lead Fahy team in Scottish National

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