Robbie on National trail

Wee Robbie, a gallant third in the Jewson Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, could skip Aintree in favour of the Coral Scottish Grand National.

Nick Gifford’s seven-year-old had always shown promise but excelled himself at Prestbury Park, running prominently for most of the way before being headed by L’Antartique.

He holds entries over hurdles and fences at Aintree but Gifford is favouring the Scottish National, for which he is attractively weighted on 10st 4lb.

“He has two entries at Aintree and we will make a final decision later in the week but I think we will more than likely be heading to Ayr,” said Gifford.

“He looks like he could be the ideal type for the race as he travels well but doesn’t really have a turn of foot.

“I was amazed that he was still in front turning in at Cheltenham. I thought he would run a similar race to L’Antartique and be a bit outpaced early on before staying on in the straight.

“I thought they’d go too quick early but he was up there bowling along so that did surprise me.

“There is still a question mark over whether he will truly stay four miles but the owner is quite keen to go to Ayr and he can’t get to Aintree on Saturday because of other commitments.

“So ground and weather permitting, I should think we are probably heading to Ayr but he’s not a definite yet,” Gifford added.

Wee Robbie is currently a 14-1 chance with the sponsors for the Scottish Grand National.