Shotgun Willy to race Scottish National

Martell Cognac Grand National disappointment Shotgun Willy heads the 37 entries left in Saturday’s Scottish equivalent after today’s confirmation stage.

Paul Nicholls’ nine-year-old was backed into 7-1 favourite for the Aintree marathon but never gave his supporters much hope and was well behind when pulled up after a mistake at the 21st fence.

If none the worse for Saturday’s run, Shotgun Willy could line up in the Gala Casinos Scottish Grand National, a race in which he finished a half-length second to Take Control 12 months ago.

Connections have said rain is required for Shotgun Willy to run at Ayr.

However, a dry week is forecast ahead of the meeting which gets under way on Friday.

Clerk of the course Chris Kennedy said: “It has been dry, and we started watering at the end of last week and are watering at the moment. We will continue to try and produce genuine good, safe jumping ground for the meeting.

“There is no rain forecast and we are good, good to firm in places in the home straight.

“The watering policy will be to maintain good, safe jumping ground.”

Martin Pipe-trained Take Control is again reported on course for the contest, as is stable companion Stormez.