The Ayr factor: who wants it good and who relishes the soft?

A huge crowd, sunny weather and good in the going description. You may think it is Royal Ascot or Newmarket's July meeting, but in fact it is Ayr's Scottish Grand National meeting. Here are several horses who will either like or loathe the ground.

CPMS Scottish Champion Hurdle (2.25), Saturday

All six of Verdana Blue's wins over hurdles have come on either good to soft or good ground so conditions should be perfect for Crimbourne Stud's talented mare. She has enjoyed a great season, including victory in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, and has another great opportunity to add to that this weekend.

Jordan Electrics Ltd Future Champion Novices' Chase (3.00), Saturday

This smart smart chaser missed Cheltenham due to the ground being too soft but he made amends when winning at Ludlow last time. All three of his wins in Britain have come on good ground and he looks set to run a big race now upped in class.

Coral Scottish Grand National (3.35), Saturday

This Neil Mulholland-trained runner has won three races, two of which were run on going described as good to soft or good, and he should relish the conditions for the big race. The 11-year-old was fourth in this race last season, has his first run after a wind operation and could go well at a big price.

Big River
Coral Scottish Grand National (3.35), Saturday

Big River thrives on softer ground, winning three of his five starts on heavy going, so may have wanted a bit more rain for the Scottish National. He ran an excellent race when fourth in the Ultima last time and looks poised for another big challenge.

Arthur's Gift
Coral Scottish Grand National (3.35), Saturday

Nigel Twiston-Davies said the softer ground helped Arthur's Gift on his penultimate start at Carlisle but he won't encounter that surface in Ayr's showpiece contest. He was pulled up last time and could have done with rain to boost his chances.

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