Halcon heads National hopes at Ayr

Alan King’s Halcon Genelardais tops 24 horses declared for Saturday’s Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

Winner of the Welsh National in 2006, he was only denied a follow-up victory by Miko De Beauchene, who reopposes on 5lb worse terms.

Halcon Genelardais then ran a blinder in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, where he finished fourth.

King also holds solid claims with Old Benny, winner of the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival over four miles.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Opera Mundi, who beat Cloudy Lane and High Chimes on soft ground at Haydock earlier in the season, is the only other runner in the handicap proper.

Jonjo O’Neill’s Butler’s Cabin, going so well in the Aintree National when falling at Becher’s Brook on the second circuit, has not been declared.

Tony Martin’s Patsy Hall and the Roy Wilson-trained In The Loop are the only Irish interests.

Len Lungo is represented by Wild Cane Ridge and bids to become the first Scottish-trained winner of the race for 26 years.

Ferdy Murphy, who won the Scottish National 12 months ago with Hot Weld, declared Noir Et Vert and Leading Man.

Mon Mome, Flintoff, Openide, Philson Run and Ossmoses are other notable declarations.