2010 SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL TIPS AND LONG-SHOT SELECTIONS

It's been an interesting few hours in the betting markets for the 2010 Scottish Grand National at Ayr racecourse today. A few hours before the race, we haven't seen a huge amount of movement and the favourites seem to be holding their places, albeit without the double-digit prices we saw yesterday. The current betting favourites Meanus Dandy and Poker De Sivola are listed at 8/1 and 9/1 with most major bookmakers. 

Theatrical Moment and Gone To Lucnh are around 10/1 or 12/1 and, if you don't think Ferdy Murphy is set for his third straight national, then you may be looking towards some of the longer odds bets who may be poised to offer up a surprise. 
One of the longer-odds shots I have my eyes on is Razor Royale and he's taken a Grade 3 this year at Kempton against a solid field that included Nacarat, Madison Du Berlais and Ollie Magern. Nigel Twiston-Davies charge was pulled up in the William Hill trophy and I think thats why the price is as high as it is. I think he's run at a level most other contenders in this race can't match up to. He trades as high as 28/1 with Ladbrokes. 
Halcon Genelardais goes out for Alan King and, although he hasn't actually won a race for a few years, he is probably worth a shot on the place bet if he finishes the race. He ran in last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup, being pulled up in a rather erratic effort. I think he could be on the bottom end of your forecasts and could offer up some solid value if you think he can improve. He did come 2nd to a field of 24 over this surface back in 2008. He trades as high as 33/1. 
Gidam Gidam is by prestigious sire King's Best and boasts some decent runs against mediocre opposition. He's an interesting sort, having scored against a field of 16 at Doncaster back in April. He's had about a month and a half off since a so-so run over the same surface, finishing 7/14 when sent off at a 12/1 price tag. He needs a lot of help to take this one and you'll find him as high as 40/1. 
Auroras Encore is looking like a real improver and is 4/13/5/2 for the year with that 13th placed finish happening just a week after a previous race. He did finish second to the very talented Calgary Bay and finished second against a field of nine at Haydock. He could be progressing and offers a decent bet at 25/1.
Check out our other article on the 2010 Scottish Grand National where we go into a bit more detail about the favoured selections.