KEEP Kerry Lads (2.40) on your side in this afternoon's £120,000 four-mile Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

Two years ago Kerry Lads shaped as if he was going to be a major force in the staying chase arena, but he was subsequently hindered by occasional sloppy jumping, prior to finishing a gallant fourth at 40-1 in the north of the border showpiece 12 months ago.

Lucinda Russell's gelding then went through a really bad patch before storming back to his best with a fast-time victory over hurdles at Carlisle last month, a confidence-boosting victory that will have teed him up a treat for today's marathon test.

The dangers to the selection include Howard Johnson's Grey Abbey, a close-up fourth in the 2002 running of the race, plus Sue Smith's heavily-backed duo, Simply Supreme and Tipsy Mouse, who both won their prep outings in good style.

Amazingly Wensleydale raider, Granit d'Estruval, turns out just five days after his successful smash-and-grab mission in the Irish National at Fairyhouse on Monday.

"Granit d'Estruval has been out in the paddock, had a swim and a canter, and we're happy with him," said trainer Ferdy Murphy, bidding to complete one of the most daring National doubles of all time.

Granit d'Estruval was very leg weary immediately after the Irish triumph, however he's a tough cookie and an each-way saver might not go amiss on Ferdy's fighter.

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