Sivola looks poised to strike

NINE De Sivola has been called plenty of names in the past but is fancied to finally silence the doubters in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr today.

The eight-year-old is still without a victory after 17 starts over fences but filled the runner-up spot on seven of those occasions, including when beaten just half a length by stable companion Hot Weld in this contest two years ago.

His recent staying-on third in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham was a creditable effort and like so many of Ferdy Murphy’s inmates this season, it looks as though the gelding is only now coming to the boil.