Mouse bidding for unique treble in Coral Scottish Grand National
David Metcalf | April 11, 2016
Mouse hoping to bring down the house in Coral Scottish Grand National
Irish trainer Mouse Morris has two entries in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday, April 16th, as he bids to land an unprecedented National treble.
The popular County Tiperrary handler emulated Ted Walsh when saddling Rule the World to land the Crabbie’s Grand National at Aintree just 12 days after stable companion Rogue Angel had landed the Irish equivalent at Fairyhouse.
Walsh completed the double in 2000 when his son Ruby steered Commanche Court to victory in the Irish National before landing a monster gamble on Papillon at Aintree.
Emotional success following son’s tragic death
Speaking after Rule The World’s success in the world’s greatest steeplechase on Saturday, Morris said he felt the celestial hand of eldest son Christopher had been orchestrating events.
The 30-year-old, known as Tiffer, died tragically last summer from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning while on holiday in South America.
Morris said: “It feels like Disneyland – I cannot believe it. It hasn’t sunk in yet. Turning in I was thinking, ‘I’ll be very happy with third place’, but someone was looking down on us.
“The way things have been going Tiffer has been working overtime for me. I was delighted to win the Irish race and this is out of this world.”
National treble would create history
Now Morris has the chance to achieve a treble that no trainer has ever managed to land.
He has Folsom Blue, a 20/1 shot with the sponsors, and Rogue Angel (16/1) entered in the Coral Scottish Grand National.
Both look big players on the pick of their form, but Morris and owners the Gigginstown House Stud have hinted that Folsom Blue is likely to be their sole representative.
Folsom Blue has won just once over fences, with that success coming in a Grand National Trial over 3m 4f at Punchestown back in February 2014.
However, the nine-year-old is a thorough stayer who has posted some really solid efforts in competitive big handicaps this season.
Fine effort in Irish National
They include a fine 4 3/4 lengths third of 28 to Minella Foru at Leopardstown and a cracking fourth of 27 to stable companion Rogue Angel in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse when last seen in action.
Folsom Blue made a costly mistake six out in the latter before keeping on well to be beaten just over six lengths.
It was an excellent effort, and one which suggested the gelding had a big staying prize in him.
With Morris currently ruling the world, Folsom Blue looks a lively outsider in the Coral Scottish Grand National and decent each-way value at the current odds on offer.
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