Lucinda Russell’s William Hill blog: Inis Oirr has cracking Scottish National chance

William Hill ambassador Lucinda Russell previews her runners on Scottish Grand National day from Ayr.

Saturday, Ayr

We start Scottish Grand National Day with Traprain Law (1.15pm). He desperately needs very soft ground to be at his best, which I hope he will get up at Ayr on Saturday. This race is a big step up, but if he can improve as much as I think he can, he’s definitely got a nice chance. He loves the track and seems to get into a great jumping rhythm there. I rate him as one of our best two-mile chasers and we’re hopeful of a good run.

Czech Her Out (3.00pm) has surprised us somewhat, as we always used to think she was just a summer mare. But, in fact, she’s been improving, and Patrick Wadge takes the ride again. Again, it looks a very tough race, so we’re probably looking at a place chance. There are a few Willie Mullins runners in there so we’ll have to be at our best to beat them, but she’s looking hard fit at home and hopefully she can give a good account of herself.

I think we’ve got a cracking chance with Inis Oirr (3.35pm) in the Scottish Grand National. He’s been progressive this season but only carries a light weight here. I have a slight question mark about the left-handed track as he normally prefers going the other way around, but we schooled him recently and he jumped very straight. I’m hopeful he can get into a good rhythm and the distance should be perfect for him. He’s a novice, he’s improving, and I think he’s well-handicapped. He’s got a right chance.

It’s a bit of a jump in class for Idem (4.10pm) on Saturday into a competitive novices’ handicap hurdle. I think the longer trip will suit him and he’s a young horse who I’ve always loved. He’s got a real staying pedigree but hasn’t raced much due to his fragile frame. We’re not sure what to expect with him, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he did run well and win.

Reflection Of You (5.20pm) is our final runner on the card in the bumper. This will be a much hotter race, but looks she a nice horse. She’s always worked very well at home and didn’t have a hard race on her last run. We see her as a chaser for the future, so we’ll be pleased if she runs well. If she doesn’t, she’s already shown us that she has ability and will keep on improving in time. We’ll find out how good she is on Saturday.