Punting pointers: all that you need to know for the Scottish Borders National

Persimmon Homes Scottish Borders National Handicap Chase 4m½f | 5yo+ | RTV

Thomson bidding for a famous five

Trends players will find this year's Borders National easy, as Sandy Thomson has won the last four runnings of the race, and he'll be bidding for a fifth on Sunday with his runner, Caventara.

Caventara, whose dam L'Aventure won the Borders National in 2009 and stayed for eternity, impressed with a course victory last time out.

Thomson said: "We've been very lucky in this and have got another live chance. Things didn't happen for him last season, but on his hurdles form he was entitled to do what he did at Kelso last time.

"Because of the dam I hoped he'd make into a decent staying chaser and he's got the right weight, will stay and, if he jumps, must have a great chance."

National? No problem for Newland

Richard Newland has won the biggest jumps race of all and takes twin aim at this regional National, which is also on his CV courtesy of Royale Knight in 2013.

The trainer, who hit the headlines thanks to Pineau De Re's Grand National triumph in 2014, fields joint top-weight Aaron Lad and No Hassle Hoff, who has switched from Dan Skelton.

"Aaron Lad is very inexperienced over fences but everything he's done has been good so far," said Newland.

"He pulled up at Cheltenham, but the ground was too heavy for him there and I hope he'll run a good race. No Hassle Hoff has his first run for me and it's difficult to call. He has had the ability and it'll be fascinating to see how he runs over this sort of trip, which is what I think he needs."

Sloppy ground should make for a slick City

Polly Gundry, a lethal point-to-point rider before turning to training, enjoyed her most lucrative campaign last term and is hoping the long journey – "seven and a half hours with a good run!" – pays off with Dawson City a respectable fifth in this race last year.

Devon-based Gundry, who was responsible for Santini's pre-training, said: "We want as much rain as we can get and hope it goes sloppy; he probably wouldn't love it if it was puddingy. There's a bit of fresh ground though and four miles is his ticket.

Dawson City (white sleeves, red cap): won the Devon National in FebruaryCredit: Harry Trump

"This is his best chance of a big win and he'll definitely come on for his run at Cheltenham, his first race of the season is never the greatest. He's had a day hunting and I'm very pleased and happy with him."

What they say

Charlie Longsdon, trainer of Just Your Type
I think he's a promising stayer and I'd like to think this race is right up his street. He's got good staying form from last season and ran well in the Eider, when he nearly got brought down. He's certainly got an each-way chance.

Anne Barnes, wife of Maurice, trainer of Bafana Blue
It's the first time he'll have done four miles, but Maurice thinks he'll stay and is putting his neck on the line. The horse has been in super form and has done us proud. Our horses are running well and we've got some nice ones, so it just lifts the mood. The owners are delighted to have a runner in the race, so there's no pressure, but we're hopeful.

Oliver Sherwood: expecting an improved performance from WeststreetCredit: Getty Images

Oliver Sherwood, trainer of Weststreet
The softer the better and he'll love the long-distance trip. Harry [Beswick] takes 5lb off and he's not going up there for the fresh air. I can't put you off him and he just needed it a bit – like some of mine did – at Carlisle last time. I think he's improved for that run.

Rose Dobbin, trainer of Bigirononhiship
He showed guts and determination aplenty to make a winning reappearance at Wetherby three weeks ago. I'd rather have had another week between races and I'm not sure if he'll stay four miles, but he's the right age for a race like this. 10st 11lb is a nice weight in testing ground and [my husband] Tony and I have always thought he's a decent horse capable of winning a decent race. Whether it's over four miles, I'm not sure, but you'll never know unless you try.

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