Paul Nicholls: Il Ridoto is my best chance at Ayr on Friday

Blueking could go to Sandown and No Drama may be off to Perth

All of my horses came out of the Grand National meeting in good shape. Most of the horses who ran at Aintree will not run again this season, although Blueking d'Oroux could go to Sandown on the final day. I will see how the week unfolds but I suspect most of the others will be finished now.

No Drama This End did not run at Aintree, but he is fine and has been entered for Perth. We ran a few tests on him to make sure everything was alright and it was, there was no sign of any bleeding. The problem was not from his lungs, it was just in his nose, and I just think he knocked himself. He is fine and did a nice piece of work this morning. The ground at Perth is soft which could suit us, so we might end up going there.

Now it's on to Ayr for a big meeting where we have always been very lucky and hopefully that will continue this weekend.

Paul Nicholls' Friday runners at Ayr

Ayr 13:45 - Bibe Mus

This is a competitive race, and he has got plenty of weight to carry. The more it rains on Thursday night the better for him, it was quick enough at Cheltenham when he ran in the Fred Winter, he loves soft ground, and he seems very fresh and well. Hopefully he has got a chance.

Ayr 15:30 - Il Ridoto

He is down to his lowest mark since 2021. He did not get the trip at Cheltenham, so put a line through that run. He has run well at Ayr before, and I would not be surprised if he ran a nice race. But he has been a little disappointing this season since winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup. But he is on a decent mark now and might be one of our best chances on Friday if everything goes to plan for him.

Ayr 15:30 - Twinjets

He is on a tough old mark of 148 but he is a really consistent horse who loves going left-handed. He wouldn't want too much more rain, so it depends what the weather does, but he has won on soft. He is a tough, genuine horse and a smaller field suits him, so he has definitely got a chance.

Ayr 17:15 - Paso Doble

Lucas Murphy takes the ride. He is Timmy's son and only 16 but he is a good lad, has been doing well point to pointing and is very much a jockey to keep an eye on for the future. Paso Doble has run some good races this year and comes here fresh and well. I would like to think he will give Lucas a great ride.

Now read Alan Dudman's Antepost Racing Tips for the Scottish Grand National