If Scotland were to vote for independence in September, I wonder what effect, if any, that might have on this particular fixture...
Seven days after the English Grand National at Aintree, thirty runners set off over the slightly shorter trip of four miles and 110 yards in the Scottish version at Ayr.
Tidal Bay looked unfortunate when unseating Sam Twiston-Davies at the Canal Turn last week but then went on to wreak havoc by carrying out Across The Bay on the stable turn when that one was some six lengths to the good over his field.
Tidal Bay stands his ground for tomorrow's showpiece with the result that just ten of his opponents are set to carry their allotted handicap weight, including stablemate Sam Winner, fifth in the RSA Chase last month - make of that what you will.
Peter Bowen has four runners while Alan King is one of several trainers saddling two - last year's winner Godsmejudge is on a comeback mission but the handler appears quietly confident about the chance of Midnight Appeal in the Weekender saying '... this has been the plan for some time.'
There are tips aplenty for Trustan Times but I'll take an each-way interest in Rigadin De Beauchene provided the ground doesn't dry out too much. He was pulled up last year but this time turns up fresher than most having won the Haydock National Trial on his seasonal debut; he's generally available at 20/1.
In the Scottish Champion Hurdle (2.40) seven pound claimer Mikey Ennis negates much of the overweight Swing Bowler was set to carry as a result of the race conditions. The mare led two from home but didn't quite see out the climb up the Sandown hill in the Imperial Cup; against the likes of My Tent Or Yours and Montbazon she rates a sporting each-way play at 33/1.
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A Welsh-trained winner of the Scottish National with Jamie Moore managing to stay in the saddle as his mount Al Co (40/1) spooked twice in the shadow of the post but still held last year's winner Godsmejudge (16/1) a length and a half.
Selection Rigadin De Beauchene (28/1) raced prominently but put in absolute howler in front of the stands that effectively cost him his chance; he was pulled up in a race where just nine of the twenty nine starters completed.
Coming to the last Swing Bowler (33/1) looked booked for third behind Court Minstrel and even money favourite My Tent Or Yours but the other mare in the race Cockney Sparrow (12/1) showed an exceptional turn of foot to pass the leading trio and take the spoils by two and a quarter lengths.
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