Tom Scudamore set to replace 'gutted' Blair Campbell on Scottish National hope

Eight days after suffering the disappointment of having to pull up favourite Cloth Cap in the Randox Grand National, Tom Scudamore could be in line for speedy recompense in the Coral-sponsored equivalent at Ayr.

Scudamore is set to take over on Mighty Thunder, a 14-1 shot with the race sponsors, for the in-form Lucinda Russell after Blair Campbell failed to win his race to recover from hand injuries sustained in a fall at Kelso on March 22.

Campbell has a fine record aboard Mighty Thunder – in February the pair landed Scotland's longest chase, the Edinburgh National – and he partnered the eight-year-old on 20 of his 25 starts, including all seven wins.

Mighty Thunder and Blair Campbell on their way to Edinburgh National success at Musselburgh in FebruaryCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Campbell, who had the wiring removed from his hand on Thursday afternoon, said: "It would take another fall for it to just break again. It's only been three and a half weeks and it's still not properly healed. I was being a bit optimistic thinking I might get back.

"I think he's got a real chance and although he'll need to improve again from Uttoxeter, he's done that nearly every run this season. I'm gutted not to be riding him but if he does go and win or run well, at least there's a possibility of having a horse for Aintree next year."

Mighty Thunder backed up his Musselburgh heroics with a fine second to Time To Get Up in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter.

Speaking to a press call organised by Great British Racing, Russell recalled how she had shelved a plan to go novice chasing with Mighty Thunder last season after some indifferent schooling sessions.

Lucinda Russell hopes to add Scottish Grand National success to her 2017 triumph with One For Arthur at AintreeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He wasn't the most natural jumper to start with," said Russell. "He's now suddenly got himself into a rhythm. He's a funny horse, he sometimes throws in the odd bad run as he did at Kelso and he just won't go.

"I think that's why the owners particularly like sticking with Blair, who really knows him and understands him. He's one of those horses that sometimes drops the bridle and you think 'this isn't going to work at all'.

"The four miles and three-and-a-half mile races really seem to suit him, he gets into a lovely rhythm. I thought his run at Uttoxeter was very good."

Russell is also far from dismissive about the chances of Big River, who has completely recovered from an atrial fibrillation to his heart which caused him to be pulled up in the Eider Chase.

Big River is the mount of Derek Fox, who enjoyed top-level success for the yard at Aintree on Ahoy Senor last week.

Big River and Derek Fox will be reunited for Sunday's Coral Scottish Grand National at AyrCredit: John Grossick

"It was disappointing in the Eider because his heart went back to normal rhythm in 36 hours," said Russell. "John Keen – who is one of the foremost experts on equine cardiology – checked him again and he's very happy with him.

"He goes there in the best form I've had him all season. Although he's probably the forgotten one in the race from our yard, he definitely isn’t one to discount."

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