Ardstown misses out on Scottish National Ante-post favourite Ardstown misses the Gala Group Scottish Grand National tomorrow after being eliminated from the Ayr race. There were a total of 37 declared for the stg£100,000 stamina test which carries a safety limit of 30 and Ardstown, who had been quoted 6-1 by William Hill, missed the cut by one. The mare`s trainer Venetia Williams will now rely on Royale De Vassy, the mount of Norman Williamson. Noble Lord will attempt to improve on his second to Paris Pike in the four-mile-one-furlong contest 12 months ago. On his latest start the Richard Phillips-trained eight-year-old was going well on the heels of the leaders until falling at the 13th fence in the Martell Grand National. Phillips reports his charge in good order after his trip to Aintree. He said: 'He`s fine after the National - he enjoyed it more than Alastair Down. Going to Aintree has really sharpened him up. 'I know it was only the first circuit but he had been jumping well when he gota bit close to the 13th. It`s the first time he has fallen.' Peter Niven will bid for his elusive 1,000th winner on Mary Reveley`s Seven Towers in the race. But Mrs Reveley was pessimistic about the 12-year-old`s chances. She said: 'It would be a good story but it`s doubtful. 'The horse is in good form but he wouldn`t want the ground too fast.' Martin Pipe, who won the race in 1993 with Run For Free, saddles five runners this time. They are Tresor De Mai, Strong Tel, Northern Starlight and Kaki Crazy, who were all casualties in the Grand National, and Take Control, who had the Singer & Friedlander Grand National Trial at his mercy until coming to grief two out. Champion jockey Tony McCoy has elected to ride Take Control. Leading lady point-to-point rider Polly Gundry claims a valuable 7lb off top weight Earthmover, one of Paul Nicholls` four runners. The Ditcheat trainer will also be represented by Ad Hoc, the mount of Mick Fitzgerald, Murt`s Man (Joe Tizzard) and Flaked Oats (Ruby Walsh).
