Rachael Blackmore Selects 8-1 Shot Road To Home for Scottish Grand National Glory
Former Grand National champion jockey Rachael Blackmore has revealed her expert selections for the upcoming Scottish Grand National at Ayr, pinpointing Willie Mullins' Road To Home as a standout contender at 8-1 odds. The Betfair ambassador believes the Irish trainer could secure a remarkable hat-trick of victories in the prestigious race, following successes in 2024 and 2025.
Mullins' Momentum and Road To Home's Credentials
Blackmore's confidence stems from Mullins' recent triumph at Aintree, where I Am Maximus clinched a fourth English Grand National for the Closutton stable just seven days ago. She noted that Road To Home, Mullins' sole runner in the Scottish edition, appears primed to continue this winning streak. The seven-year-old gelding demonstrated his class with a narrow neck-second finish to Ask Brewster in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, earning a six-pound weight rise that Blackmore views as manageable for an improving stayer.
"He is unexposed as a stayer but has been progressive over fences," Blackmore stated, emphasising the horse's potential to handle the step up to four miles at Ayr. The form from Cheltenham receives a significant boost, as rivals like Monbeg Genius—who later placed fifth in the Irish Grand National—and Kim Roque trailed behind that day.
Analysis of Key Contenders in a Competitive Field
The Scottish Grand National market is tightly contested, with five runners priced at 10-1 or shorter. Blackmore provided insights into several other leading contenders:
- Kim Roque (Joseph O'Brien): Noted for his soft-ground prowess with wins in France, he finished fourth at Cheltenham and benefits from his yard's current strong form.
- King Of Answers (Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore): A major player after placing second in the National Hunt Chase, his stamina is assured, and a three-pound rise seems fair.
- Montregard: A progressive half-brother to Protektorat, he skipped Cheltenham but impressed with a February win at Ascot.
- Ask Brewster: The Cheltenham victor may struggle on soft ground, as all his chasing successes have come on firmer surfaces.
Blackmore also highlighted Mullins' dominant record in recent Scottish Grand Nationals, having trained the first two home last year and four of the top six finishers the previous season.
Ground Conditions and Festival Expectations
With soft ground anticipated at Ayr, Blackmore's assessment factors in each horse's adaptability. She pointed out that Road To Home's performance at Cheltenham on similar going underscores his suitability, whereas Ask Brewster could face challenges. The festival atmosphere adds to the excitement, as Blackmore shared her thoughts ahead of the event, encouraging fans to engage with Betfair's offerings.
In summary, Rachael Blackmore's endorsement of Road To Home as an 8-1 shot reflects a blend of recent form, trainer momentum, and ideal conditions. As the Scottish Grand National approaches, all eyes will be on whether Mullins can secure a third consecutive victory and whether Blackmore's tip proves prophetic in this highly anticipated racing spectacle.
