Tartan tyrant best bet

TARTAN TYRANT can reward trainer Gordon Richards' patience by taking the Stakis Casinos Scottish Grand National at Ayr today.

The gelding had originally been aimed at the Martell Grand National but the prevailing dry conditions at Liverpool forced Richards to withdraw him at the 48-hour declaration stage. Tartan Tyrant was then re-routed to Ayr for the Scottish equivalent on the proviso that conditions were suitable.

And the decision to miss Aintree appears to have been rewarded, with the going at Ayr described as good to soft, soft in places, with the forecast for heavy showers.

On his latest start, in February, Tartan Tyrant showed improved form in the Greenalls Grand National Trial at Haydock when given a positive ride by Paul Carberry. He led at the 13 fence, was well clear four out and looked all over the winner until collared on the run-in by one of today's rivals, Lo Stregone, and beaten five lengths at the line.

Tartan Tyrant can reverse placings on 5lb better terms with Tom Tate's charge and give stable jockey Tony Dobbin a welcome change of luck in an injury-ravaged season.

Ian Balding's Tagula can enhance his 2000 Guineas claims with victory in the Tripleprint Greenham Stakes at Newbury. The Taufan colt has reportedly been working well at home and has the scope to make a top-class three-year-old.

Last season Tagula showed himself to be smart when successful in the Group One Morny Piaget at Deauville in August. He followed that run with a third behind Alhaarth in Newmarket's Dewhurst Stakes but Tagula didn't go to post with his usual zest and was probably feeling the effects of a busy season which had begun in May.

Priced at 40 to 1 for the first colts' classic with William Hill, Tagula can cause a reshuffle in the market with a win.

The Ladbrokes Spring Cup is typically difficult to assess but Mick Channon's Welton Arsenal can provide the answer and follow up his successful reappearance at Warwick.

Richard Hughes rode a well judged race on the son of Statoblest last time when leading well inside the final furlong to beat Pengamon a comfortable neck. Hughes takes the ride again and he can repeat the tactics to take this valuable prize.

Ali-Royal can continue Henry Cecil's good start to the season by taking the Thirsk Classic Trial Conditions Stakes