Amateur Gundry to rider Earthmover Leading lady rider Polly Gundry has landed a plum ride on Earthmover in the Gala Group Scottish Grand National, it was revealed today. The amateur will be renewing her association with the Paul Nicholls-trained 10-year-old, having ridden the gelding on several occasions during his early career. And following a 25lb rise in the weights at the five-day stage the 7lb claimer has been given the chance to ride in Saturday`s stg£100,000 contest. Nicholls, who also has Ad Hoc, Murt`s Man and Flaked Oats in the Ayr marathon, said: 'Earthmover has got a lot of weight (11st 10lb) now and with the weights going up Joe (Tizzard) liked the look of Murt`s Man on 10st 4lb - it was his choice. 'Polly won four hunter chases and four or five point-to-points on Earthmover so she knows the horse well. 'If Ad Hoc runs I assume Mick Fitzgerald will ride him but there are no riding plans for Flaked Oats yet. 'Ad Hoc, Earthmover and Murt`s Man will all appreciate good ground.' Northern-based jockey Russ Garritty has been booked to ride The Toiseach in the race. The James Fanshawe-trained 10-year-old has been limited to just one run in the last two years having reportedly suffered breathing problems. 'My agent told me this morning I`d been booked for The Toiseach as I don`t think Scotton Green will get in and if he did I would struggle to do the weight,' Garritty said. 'I can get down to 10st 5lb for a good `un! 'I don`t know much about the horse. I`ve just seen him run but he has got some ability and if he was back to his best he would have a good each-way chance if he got good ground.' Ross-On-Wye trainer Venetia Williams hopes to be doubly-represented in the four-mile-one-furlong contest. She has Royale de Vassy and ante-post favourite Ardstown - 6-1 with William Hill - in the race but the latter is currently out of the handicap. 'They are both intended runners but Ardstown needs a few to come out before she is guaranteed a run,' Miss Williams said. 'Ideally she would like a bit of cut in the ground.' Conditions at Ayr racecourse are currently described as 'perfect' ahead of the two-day meeting. Clerk of the course Richard Pridham said: 'At the moment we have perfect good ground. Showers are forecast so I would predict good ground for the weekend. 'We are not planning to water. I don`t think it will be necessary.'William Hill bet: 6-1 Ardstown, 9-1 (from 12-1) Take Control, 10-1 (from 14-1) Ad Hoc, 12-1 Gingembre, Hannigans Lodger, Kingsmark, 14-1 Royale de Vassy, 16-1 Earthmover, Noble Lord, Paddy`s Return, Seven Towers, 20-1 bar.
