OpinionJohnny Dineen
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Three horses are catching my eye on Sunday - including my wager of the weekend at Tramore

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Johnny DineenUpping The Ante star
Lucinda Russell: Grand National-winning trainer and bringer of festive cheer
Lucinda Russell: can win the Coral Scottish National with Inis OirrCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

You probably know by now that a race like the Coral Scottish Grand National (3.35) is not usually my cup of tea. Give me a maiden hurdle around Wincanton with Harry Cobden riding one for Paul Nicholls any day of the week. A 26-runner handicap chase over four miles is a completely different kettle of fish and usually a race I would swerve, but I'm making an exception for this year's Ayr showpiece as I'm pretty sweet on something.

The Lucinda Russell-trained Inis Oirr is a horse I've always liked. He's a relatively unexposed seven-year-old who seemed to really benefit from the fitting of a visor, when bolting up at Musselburgh in early February, and I think he's still on the up.

Raised a stone for that facile victory, he was a late withdrawal from the Midlands National at Uttoxeter when the ground was deemed unsuitably soft, and that may well prove to be a blessing in disguise as he arrives here fresher than most and could be capable of defying his rise in the handicap on ground he will relish and over a trip right up his street.

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Published on 19 April 2024inJohnny Dineen

Last updated 16:08, 20 April 2024

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