'He clearly likes the track' - Saturday's six most revealing trainer quotes

On Saturday all eyes will be on a rare running of the Scottish Grand National at Ayr, which takes place ahead of the Aintree equivalent for the first time since the 19th century. There is also the Scottish Champion Hurdle, as well as jumps action at Newbury and Guineas trials on the card at Leopardstown.

Saturday racecards| Big-race tips| Watch In The Know

CPMS Novices' Champion Handicap Chase | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Dusart:

"He ran very well in the Brown Advisory and he’s running back pretty quick but I didn’t fancy Aintree with him and this looked suitable. It ticks the left-handed box for him and the better ground will suit. He should have a good chance."

Overnight price: 2-1

Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle (A Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) | 2m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Milkwood:

"It’s a hard task off top weight and with no recent run, but he’s as straight as we can get him and he’s been for a racecourse gallop. He clearly likes the track and goes there in good form."

Overnight price: 5-1

Saturday: 2.35 Leopardstown
Ballylinch Stud "Red Rocks" 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes (Listed Race) | 7f | 3yo | RTV

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Exquisite Acclaim:

"He's got a bit to do on ratings, but he ran well the other day at Dundalk and if we managed to sneak a bit of black type with him, it would be great."

Overnight price: 18-1

British EBF BetVictor "NH" Novices' Mares' Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) | 2m4½f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Alastair Ralph, trainer of Holly Hartingo:

"She didn’t like the drop back to two miles last time and we expect the trip and galloping nature of the track to suit her better. I couldn’t be happier with her."

Overnight price: 8-1

Saturday: 3.00 Ayr
Jordan Electrics Ltd Future Champion Novices' Chase (Grade 2) | 2m4½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Kiltealy Briggs:

"He didn't stay at Cheltenham. He went well for a long way in the Ultima and he's related to Ballabriggs, who won the Grand National, so we always thought three miles was for him, but he didn't seem to stay 3m1f at Cheltenham. He jumped well and we're dropping back in trip, while a smaller field could help. It's his last chance as a novice chaser, so we may as well have a go."

Overnight price: 15-2

Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 4m | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Pat Fahy, trainer of History of Fashion:

"History Of Fashion will love the ground. I couldn't believe how well he coped with conditions at Navan the last day. He's a strong stayer."

Overnight price: 18-1

P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes (Group 3) | 1m2f | 3yo | RTV

Dermot Weld, trainer of Duke De Sessa:

"He had a very good year as a two-year-old and has wintered well. The one thing I will say is that I expect him to progress a lot from this and keep progressing throughout the season. He's fit enough to do himself justice and can still run well, but I do expect him to progress from it."

Overnight price: 9-2

Read all of Saturday's previews:

1.15 Ayr: Is it worth taking on the favourite Sebastopol in Listed handicap chase?

1.50 Ayr: His talent is undeniable - but can Dusart strike despite short turnaround?

2.25 Ayr: Expert analysis and key trainer quotes for the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr

2.45 Newbury: Which trainer thinks his mare will 'run a very big race' in Grade 2?

3.00 Ayr: 'It's a red-hot race' - novice chasers clash in Grade 2 Future Champions

3.35 Ayr: 'She's in great form' - Christian Williams on his leading Scottish National duo

3.35 Ayr: Runner-by-runner guide: key quotes and star ratings for Scottish Grand National

Is there another Poetic Flare lurking on trials day at Leopardstown?

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