Scottish Grand National: Encore on track for Ayr raid

Auroras Encore looks set to compete at Ayr

Trainer Sue Smith has confirmed her Grand National hero Auroras Encore is set to take his chance under top-weight in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday...

The 11-year-old was a shock winner of the Aintree spectacular a fortnight ago, after which the handicapper gave the veteran an 11lb rise in the weights.

With the six horses originally above him in the Scottish National list all withdrawing at the confirmation stage, Auroras Encore will have to defy the welter burden of 11st 12lb this weekend as he aims to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in 1974 to complete the rarely-attempted National double.

Smith said: "We had a pretty good idea he'd end up with top-weight, so that isn't a surprise. It obviously doesn't make life easy for him and we know it's a very big task, but the horse is in grand order and went really well this morning."

"If it absolutely poured down with rain and the ground went very soft, that would be a big no-no, but if the ground stays as it is, then he'll probably run."

Bingley-based Smith is set to be doubly-represented in the extended four-mile feature, with Fill The Power now guaranteed a run after climbing to 26th in the weights.

Smith said: "He gives you the impression a trip like this will suit him and if he jumps well, off a nice weight (10st 8lb), he could run a nice race."

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