One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday

Trainer

Sandy Thomson heads to Ayr with a few live chances, headed by The Ferry Master who, off a low weight, looks to gain the Scottish trainer’s first win in the Scottish Grand National (3.35).

He also saddles topweight Hill Sixteen, second to Snow Leopardess who heads the market for the English contingent in the Randox Grand National, in the Becher Chase at Aintree in December.

Before this he has a strong chance with Doyen Breed in the novice handicap chase (1.50) who drops back into handicap company after a couple of seconds in a pair of Grade 2 events.

Jockey

Harry Skelton travels to Ayr with three rides, including West Cork in the Scottish Champion Hurdle (2.25) who previously finished fourth to the Willie Mullins-trained State Man in the County Hurdle at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

West Cork (left) heads Harry Skelton's chances at AyrCredit: Alan Crowhurst / Getty Images

Last season’s champion jockey faces a hard task aboard Hatcher in the opening Listed chase (1.15), who is badly out of form since his two wins last summer.

Skelton will also partner the novice Ashtown Lad in the feature Scottish Grand National (3.35). The eight-year-old has only had four chase starts so comes into this as an unknown, but having finished a good third to Grade 1-winning Ahoy Senor he must have ability and is completely unexposed stepping up in trip.

Horse

Sacred Bridge looked an impressive two-year-old when winning her first four starts for trainer Ger Lyons, the last being a three-and-three-quarter length victory in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh.

She went off 13-8 favourite for the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket last September but finished a disappointing eighth behind the Aiden O’Brien-trained Tenebrism, who is currently second favourite for 1,000 Guineas this year.

Sacred Bridge: 1,000 Guineas hopeCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

The Juddmonte-owned three-year-old will look to get back to winning ways in the 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes (3.10) at Leopardstown and as the highest rated filly in the race, she has a good chance to do so.

Race

The Scottish Grand National (3.35) has attracted a field of 24 runners with the Christian Williams-trained pair Kitty’s Light and Win My Wings first and second in the market respectively.

Nigel Twiston-Davies is looking to win the race for the fourth time and he sends Fantastikas, fresh from finishing seventh in the Ultima at Cheltenham, and will be ridden by son Sam who himself will be looking for his third victory in the 4m handicap.

However, after Ireland had the first two home in the Midlands National, could either the P A Fahy pair, Stormy Judge and History Of Fashion, or the John McConnell-trained Streets Of Doyen, take home the prize?

Now read these . . .

From Cheltenham to Ayr: the eight horses back in action after a quick turnaround

2022 Scottish Grand National: the runners, the odds, the verdict

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club!Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate Monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price!

Subscribe now

If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate Monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter