Whammy has been given every help in bid to complete National double

Heineken UK Highland National Handicap Chase | 3m61/2f | 5yo+ | RUK

Iain Jardine admits he is rather more hopeful than confident that Double Whammy can repeat last year's impressive success in the Highland National, in which Brian Harding has his final ride on Anywaythewindblows.

His 11-year-old has been unplaced in three outings this spring, having been off the track for 11 months following a comfortable eight-length victory here in 2016.

"He won really well last year, he never came off the bridle, and I hope he can do it again," the Scottish trainer said.

"He went up in the weights for that and he's struggled a bit. He has bad legs and he's difficult to train but he seems to be coming to hand and he'll be suited by the level track and the good ground.

"We have a good 7lb claimer on him in Ross Chapman so we're giving him every help but I'm hopeful rather than confident."

Jardine is looking forward to the bumper, in which he runs Golden Jeffrey, the first horse he has trained for owner Jo Tracey.

"He's a very nice horse we bought at Aintree," he said. "We haven't had him long but he's settled into his new environment very well and I hope a big run is on the cards."

Perth card