'I'd love it if we ended up back in a Scottish National' - analysis and trainer quotes for a competitive handicap chase

Only five go in this 3m handicap chase, but it would be hard enough to pick between four of them, even though Whistle Stop Tour was put in quite short (5-4) when the first shows appeared.

Lucinda Russell's seven-year-old was always prominent when scoring on his second chase outing in a novice handicap, and as the least experienced runner in the field he is open to the most improvement.

He probably needs to step up, though, as a 6lb rise for winning an average race was not generous, especially in light of the runner-up being thumped 25 lengths next time.

Jet Legs hasn't troubled the judge in two outings this term, but went well for a long way in the Borders National at Kelso and might not have stayed, although he had looked a prime candidate for marathons before then, so the jury is out as to what form he's in.

He is actually 3lb worse off for a two-and-a-quarter-length second to Special Rate a year ago, and the winner scored cosily that day.

Special Rate is another who hasn't shown his best yet this term, but he travelled strongly for a long way in the Grade 3 Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle last time before cutting out at the third-last and dropping back to seventh. 

He was sent for a wind operation just three days later, so there's a ready made excuse, and Lizzie Quinlan's eight-year-old, who won four times last season, is certainly handicapped to play a part.

Much less is known about the readiness of Gold Cup Bailly, who has run only twice since April 2023, pulling up in the Scottish National in April and finishing a distant third of four in a Down Royal hurdle in May. County Antrim trainer Stuart Crawford is just one short of 50 winners at the track.

On current form Wasdell Dundalk is just making up the numbers, but he is just 1lb higher than for his win in October and would not be out of it if regaining his confidence.

Going news

Clerk of the course Graeme Anderson: "We had a bit of rain on Wednesday morning but nothing major. It's predominantly soft ground with perhaps a bit of heavy in places creeping into it in the back straight. The overnight forecast is for it to be cold, between 0C and -2C, but I don't see that being an issue, but it will be dry and cold on raceday. We've covered vulnerable areas with fleece and, if the forecast is correct, we won't have any issues."

What they say

Stuart Crawford, trainer of Gold Cup Bailly
He's shown good form at Ayr previously and we're hoping he can get a good run under his belt. I'd love it if we ended up back in a Scottish National later in the season.      

Peter Scudamore, assistant to Lucinda Russell, trainer of Whistle Stop Tour
We have a great deal of faith in him. At one stage we weren't sure how soft he'd want it, but he handled it at Kelso. This is a nice opportunity, but there are dangers. He might make up into a nice staying chaser in the future.

Lisa Harrison, trainer of Wasdell Dundalk
His fall at Carlisle in November did knock his confidence a bit, and we ran him back over hurdles last time. It's a shame because he was running really well prior to that fall, but he seems well in himself again and, with not many runners, we thought we'd take our chance. He goes on soft ground but doesn't want it tacky.  

Martin Todhunter, trainer of Jet Legs
He didn't quite stay on the [soft] ground in the Borders National, but I think he'll run well here providing he's over his last outing. He's off a nice weight and whatever the ground is it won't bother him.

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