English Grand National hero Auroras Encore heads a field of 26 runners in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday.
Sue Smith’s 11-year-old recorded a shock 66-1 victory in the Aintree spectacular a fortnight ago and having gone up 11lb in the weights, he has to carry a huge burden of 11st 12lb this weekend.
The veteran aims to become the first horse since the legendary Red Rum in 1974 to complete the rarely-attempted National double, with Aintree partner Ryan Mania returning from injury in time to take the ride.
Bingley-based Smith has a second runner in the shape of Fill The Power.
Ante-post favourite Rival D’Estruval is in the line-up following his fall when still in contention in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
Other leading contenders include Alan King’s Godsmejudge, David Pipe’s Midlands National winner Big Occasion, the John Wade-trained Always Right and Neptune Equester from the stable of Brian Ellison.
The sole Irish-trained runner is Thomas Gibney’s Lion Na Bearnai, winner of last year’s Irish Grand National but not seen since being pulled up in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury at the start of December.
Conditions at Ayr are described as heavy following substantial rainfall over the last 24 hours.
