Ayr Grand National: Isaac Des Obeaux Set For Soft-Ground Success
The Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase at Ayr over 3m 7f on soft ground looks a competitive renewal with 18 runners, but the form evidence points to one clear standout with proven credentials in the conditions and trip.
THE SELECTION
Isaac Des Obeaux (No.4) is the pick at 11.00. He holds a stellar record on soft going — 3 wins from 9 runs — and critically, he has won over the precise trip of 3m 4f–7f (1 win from 1 run). His Class 1 record shows 1 win from 4 runs, and he won the only time he contested a very large field of 16–99 runners. At 35 days since his last run, he arrives fresh enough, and his H Rating of 1558 sits among the field's elite.
THE DANGERS
Montregard (No.12) cannot be ignored. He boasts a sparkling soft-ground record of 1 win from 2 runs and has won in Class 1 (1 from 1). However, he is untried over 3m 4f–7f, which is a significant caveat for a chase of this distance. His 63-day absence is also worth noting, though his Combined Score of 1535 and H Rating of 1559 remain competitive at 7.50.
Famous Bridge (No.11) is the course ace, with 1 win from 5 runs at Ayr. He holds 3 wins from 11 on soft going and a proven trip record of 1 win from 4 runs over 3m 4f–7f. His Class 1 return shows 1 win from 7 runs, and at 29.00 he offers reasonable value given his demonstrated Ayr expertise and soft-ground pedigree.
AT A PRICE
Katate Dori (No.9) at 26.00 warrants consideration. He boasts 3 wins from 7 on soft going — the best win percentage in that category across the field — and holds 1 Class 1 victory from 5 runs. The 56-day layoff is the only concern, but his H Rating of 1568 and pedigree in the conditions suggest he could reward patient punters if sharp enough on the day.
VERDICT
Isaac Des Obeaux combines soft-ground dominance, trip suitability, Class 1 winning form, and large-field experience into the most convincing case at 11.00.
