Gordon Elliott reports his Cheltenham Festival winner Chicago Grey to be in fine fettle heading into the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
The National Hunt Chase hero heads the betting for the marathon contest ahead of the horse he beat at Cheltenham, Beshabar.
"There are a lot of runners and you need a lot of luck, but the horse is in good form and we're looking forward to it," said Elliott.
"He's come out of the Cheltenham race fine and he's a very clean-winded horse. The trip and the ground won't be a problem. All we need is a bit of luck and he'll run a big race."
The Tim Vaughan-trained Beshabar is 5lb better off at the weights and the Welsh handler is hoping that will be enough for his charge to reverse the placings.
He said: "We're very much looking forward to it and we're a little bit better off with Chicago Grey. It's a big field but he'll love the trip, track and ground. He's had a lovely clean run through since Cheltenham and he should run a big race.
"He hasn't had much racing this year, so I'm hoping he might be a fresher horse than some of them. He seems very well at home and his jumping has improved with every run. He's still a novice over fences and could still be on the upgrade."
Minella Four Star arrives on the back of victory in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter and his trainer David Pipe believes there are plenty of reasons to expect another bold show.
The Pond House handler said: "He's gone up 11lb for the win at Uttoxeter but he'll like the ground, the track and the trip. It helps us that Neptune Collonges has stayed in as we get in on a nice low weight and a lot of the other horses are running from out of the handicap.
"He seems to have come out of his last race well and all the signs have been good at home. He'd have a small each-way chance."
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