Irish punters recovering from the celebrations over Bobbyjo's Martell Grand National success had better stock up with more hangover medication.

Another joyous occasion looks imminent courtesy of Hollybank Buck in what is likely to be a gruelling Scottish Grand National at Ayr today. Tony Martin's charge has already landed long-distance events on both sides of the Irish Sea this winter. He won the Grade Two Pierse Leopardstown Chase over three miles before stepping up successfully a further nine furlongs for Newcastle's Tote Eider Chase.

Since then he has tasted defeat in Uttoxeter's Midlands Grand National, where today's main rival, Young Kenny, who unseated at the first at Newcastle, put nine-and-a-alf lengths between the pair, with another of today's field, Forest Ivory, back in sixth.

Hollybank Buck received 10 lb from Young Kenny at the Midlands track and, on the face of it, with a similar weight differential, there should be little difference in the outcome.

But with ground conditions softening all the time at the Scottish track, Young Kenny is likely to feel every ounce of the 11 st 10 lb he has been allocated as the race reaches its conclusion.

Hollybank Buck is a fine jumper and a dour stayer, his stable confidence is high and he is the nap to ensure another Grand National trophy crosses the Irish Sea.

Fadalko ran a race of tremendous potential at Aintree last week when beaten a length by Kinnescash giving the winner 4 lb. The soft ground will suit this ex-rench gelding to a tee and victory in the Scottish Champion Hurdle will boost the chance of trainer Paul Nicholls of holding on to top spot in the trainers' title race.

Much-touted Killer Instinct will be a warm order at cramped odds to land Newbury's Burghclere Maiden Stakes for his trainer Henry Cecil.