Joe Tizzard: “We think Sizing Tennessee is our best chance in the Scottish Grand National.”

Tizzard stables eye joy at Ayr

 Saturday – Scottish Grand National, Ayr

4.05 – Sizing Codelco, Sizing Tennessee, West Approach

We have three runners in the Scottish Grand National this year. This race has long been on the radar for Sizing Codelco as we thought it would tick a lot of the right boxes for him.

We could not stop ourselves from running the horse at Aintree last week where he ran really well there. He won off 150 at Punchestown last year so he is very capable.

Sizing Tennessee is our best chance in the race, we believe. He finished second in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. The horse that was second that day ran really well in a Grade One Chase. He is a 10 year old now but he will love a bit of Good ground.

West Approach is a classy horse on his day. He hasn’t quite shown it over fences. Who is to say he won’t run a big race though?

It is not an easy race to win this as it has been a long and hard season for many of them. I used to enjoy riding in this race but sadly I never won it so hopefully we can get a victory as a training team.

Sunday – Wincanton

2.15 – Watcombe Heights

He ran really well first time out where he finished second at Wincanton. Sadly he was a little disappointing last time where the ground could have been a little too soft for him. He has a solid each-way chance here I’d say.

3.20 – Bramble Brook

He has won a couple of races and has been penalised for it. I am sure he will like the Good ground but he is right at the top of the handicap now.

4.25 – Shoal Bay

He’d be our best chance of the day. He has a penalty but he is a good horse and he will love this Good ground.

4.55 – Bears Rails

The handicapper has given him a good chance here. He is a stone lighter than the start of the season. The ground is drying a little bit too much for him. If he gets going again, he is very well handicapped.

5.30 – Coastal Drift, Russian Hawk, 6.00 Wincanton – Darlac, Carrick Roads, Ruffling Feathers

We have five runners across the two bumper races. Darlac is a horse we really like a lot. We bought him a year ago and he has shown some lovely work at home. I expect him to run well the other two are all chasers of the future and we want to get a run in them.

Joe