Smith 'very happy' with Vintage Clouds as she considers Scottish National bid

Sue Smith has reported Vintage Clouds to be none the worse for his early exit in the Grand National as she prepares the nine-year-old for a possible quick reappearance in Saturday's Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

After finishing runner-up to Beware The Bear in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month, the confidence of both connections and punters had been high after defections allowed the 149-rated chaser to take his place in the 40-strong field.

However, the bold-jumping grey's first start over Aintree's famous fences was over quickly after he fell at the first fence in the 4m2½f marathon chase won by Tiger Roll.

Smith said: "He's okay. He's been out and done his work, he's eating well, so we're very happy with him.

"It was very disappointing at Aintree because a lot of people had put in a lot of work to get him there, but that's racing, the jumps are there to be jumped."

Racing in the same Trevor Hemmings colours as dual Scottish National winner Vicente, Vintage Clouds finished third in Ayr's £215,000 contest last season behind Joe Farrell.

Smith, who is yet to win the race, added: "He's run there before and run very well, so I don't see any reason why he shouldn't this time."

Big River needs rain

With the ground described as good and the forecast set fair at Ayr for the rest of this week, Peter Scudamore has thrown doubt over the prospect of Big River contesting the race.

The nine-year-old exceeded market expectations when fourth in the Ultima and is the sponsor's 9-1 joint-favourite with Dingo Dollar.

"He'd need some rain and for it to be at least good to soft," said Scudamore, who is the partner of Big River's trainer Lucinda Russell. "He's also got the Irish National and the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown as possible options if the ground turns out to be too fast at Ayr.

Big River: fourth in the Ultima at Cheltenham last monthCredit: JOHN GROSSICK (racingpost.com/photos)

"We've always thought he's a decent horse but he'd want to jump a bit sharper than at Cheltenham last time – if he did, he'd certainly be in with a chance."

Scudamore added: "There hasn't been a Scottish trainer win the race for a long time, so it's certainly our number-one priority to win it. We're just hoping for some rain."

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