THERE are not many elite National Hunt prizes that tend to elude Irish-trained horses for long periods, but today’s Coral Scottish Grand National (3.35) is certainly one of them.

Not since Huntsman in 1869 has an Irish raider managed to plunder this weekend’s feature staying handicap chase, but a trio of visiting runners will bid to put an end to that hoodoo in the 2023 edition at Ayr.

Gavin Cromwell very nearly pulled off an outstanding coup in last week’s Randox Grand National with fast-finishing second Vanillier and he supplies the likeliest Irish winner, according to the market, Malina Girl.

She excelled when tackling her longest trip yet and winning the Randox Ulster National at Downpatrick over three and a half miles last time.

Ridden this weekend by Sean Flanagan - as Keith Donoghue is unable to get down to her weight of 10st 11lb - Malina Girl also has the positive of running off the same mark of 137 as she holds in Ireland, with Irish runners typically running off higher than their domestic ratings in Britain.

Cromwell told The Irish Field: “It’s probably coming soon enough for her after winning the Ulster National a little under three weeks ago - those extreme distances can sometimes take a little bit longer to get over than other races - but she seems in good nick. We’re happy with her.

“I didn’t think she’d have any problem with staying that extra distance at Downpatrick last time. Going up in trip again to four miles here is a bit of an unknown but hopefully she will stay and I think the ground shouldn’t be a problem for her.”

Flash challenger

Liz Doyle will bid to record the most high-profile success in her career with Flash De Touzaine in the £200,000 prize.

A ready winner over subsequent Paddy Power Chase scorer Real Steel at Galway in October, the mount of Richie Deegan runs off an attractive weight of just 10st 1lb (when factoring in rider’s 3lb claim).

“I think the nice ground will be a help to him,” said Doyle. “ I just feel that he’s been getting a little caught by testing ground at the end of his staying chases over here lately and he’s got some form on decent ground.

“He was only two lengths behind Home By The Lee when third in a Killarney bumper on good ground in 2019 and he won his maiden hurdle on a decent enough surface at Thurles.”

On his first try at further than three miles and a furlong, Doyle added: “We won’t know about the trip until he tries it but he shapes like a strong stayer. Hopefully he’ll see it out and run a nice race.”

Bold bid expected

John Ryan is never afraid to hide his belief in his runners, and the Co Tipperary-based trainer is hoping 66/1 outsider Waitnsee will relish the sound surface on offer.

“This has been the target for her and we’re hoping she’ll run a big race,” said Ryan.

“When we’ve needed her she usually doesn’t let us down. Decent ground would be in her favour, she’s got a nice weight and having Danny on her is no negative.

“My one concern would be that she mightn’t have travelled over brilliantly, but she’s in tremendous order. I think she’s well capable of winning it. When you go through the field, she’s one of only a small number of graded winners in the race.”