Scottish Grand National tips as Your Own Story napped at Ayr to make it a dream double for Lucinda Russell

YOUR OWN STORY (3.35) can cap Lucinda Russell’s magnificent season by taking the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

The Arlary Ace landed the Aintree version in style with the mighty Corach Rambler seven days ago. And she can add Scotland’s biggest Jump race to her tally with this strong-travelling seven-year-old. The gelding looked a smart recruit to chasing when second on debut to Kinondo Kwetu at Aintree. Not as good at Haydock, he bounced back with a superb second to the useful Gold Cup Bailly here. The bay stayed on track with a respectable third to Tip Top Cat in another hot event at Uttoxeter. He kept up the good work when giving fellow improver Stumptown most resistance at Sandown. However, the chaser really excelled himself when slamming Innisfree Lad over 3m 7f at Wetherby. He then warmed-up nicely for today with a fine second to Equus Dreamer on soft going at Haydock. The star will be trained to the minute so he can make his class tell under big-race expert Derek Fox.

Russell can double-up with SERIOUS OPERATOR (4.10) in the Tennent's Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old didn’t stay three miles when sixth behind Makin'yourmindup in a Haydock Grade 2. However, he retains plenty of ability so he can resume winning ways dropped in both trip and class.

Dan Skelton targets this meeting so I’m on FRERE D'ARMES (1.15) in the Scotty Brand Chase. The six-year-old oozed class when routing Haddex Des Obeaux on his fencing bow at Kempton. The gelding took his form up another notch when slamming the classy Aucunrisque at Newbury. Off for 128-days, he returned with an excellent second to fast-improving Black Gerry at Ascot. The bay should be fighting fit so he can resume winning ways in another competitive contest.

CITYCHIEF