Today’s Horse Racing Tips: Saturday’s Nap of the Day for April 12 Scottish Grand National at Ayr

Get the latest horse racing preview for Saturday, April 12 horse racing action including the Nap of the Day selected amongst every race on every card in Britain and Ireland. Read on to find the best tips and predictions in addition to the latest betting offers.

Today’s Horse Racing betting tips: Saturday, April 12 at Ayr

Who Will Stay the Strongest in This Gruelling Test?
  • Henry’s Friend has won 3 of his last 6 starts, including a commanding 6-length win over 3m2f in December.
  • Despite pulling up in one of his races, he recorded a strong RPR of 147 in victory at Newbury—his career best.
  • Trainer Ben Pauling is currently on a winless run (0-16), but the horse’s form stands out independently from the stable’s recent record.

Nap of The Day

Calumet to win the 3.35 at Pontefract
10/3 - odds when tipped
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Reasoning
Calumet looks primed to take a step forward after an unlucky seasonal return. He’s unexposed, boasts a standout past performance at Windsor, and has top ratings from expert sources. With race fitness now on his side and strong jockey form, he’s ready to assert his class in this competitive handicap.

Top Betting Offers To Take Advantage Of Today

Today's Horse Racing Odds Boosts
William hill
GETAWAYS CHARM (1.55 DOWN ROYAL) & QUALIMITA (2.05 TRAMORE) BOTH TO WIN
10/3 (was 3/1)
William hill
DOWN ROYAL DOUBLE: NASTYA (13:55 DOW) AND PIED PIPER (16:05 DOW) BOTH TO WIN
10/3 (was 16/5)
Odds corrects at time of posting and subject to change; Stake Limits Might Apply; T&C's Apply; #Ad GambleAware 18+ Only 

As the sun rises over Ayr, attention turns firmly towards one of the great staying chases of the calendar—the Scottish Grand National. The 3m7f176y marathon brings together 23 hopefuls, each with their own credentials for lasting out this demanding trip. It headlines Saturday’s UK racing programme in fine style, with a vast cast of chasers from some of the most respected yards in Britain and Ireland, including a notable contingent from Willie Mullins’ all-conquering operation.

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Earlier in the card, there are competitive undercard contests to enjoy, but all roads lead to the 15:35, where stamina, jumping and sheer resolve will be tested to the full. Last year’s winner Macdermott is back to defend his crown, though this season’s struggles leave questions to answer. Meanwhile, some improving stayers are seeking to stake their claim, with Famous Bridge, The Kniphand, and Brandt all arriving with useful recent form. Mullins fields six, a clear signal of his intent to press his late-season title bid in Britain. However, others—including Henry’s Friend for Ben Pauling—will be looking to disrupt that storyline.

The field is wide open, and punters are eyeing value all over the card, but it is one name that truly stands out from a betting perspective today.

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Nap of the Day: Henry’s Friend to Win the Scottish Grand National

Among a host of contenders lining up for this year’s Scottish Grand National, Henry’s Friend looks poised to deliver a peak performance. Despite a pulled-up effort in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham on testing ground, he had genuine excuses that day, and that run shouldn’t be taken at face value. Prior to that, he demonstrated substantial improvement with a convincing six-length win at Newbury over 3m2f on good to soft ground—a trip just shy of today’s marathon assignment.

Carrying a 6lb higher mark now, it’s crucial to understand that his Newbury victory was achieved with plenty in hand. He travelled powerfully, stayed on resolutely, and was always near the head of affairs despite a tardy start. Back at Cheltenham last month, he was again slowly away yet still made a notable move at the third last, briefly challenging before fading. That effort still earned him credit against stronger rivals in a deeper race.

What strengthens the case is his consistent progression across the season. His record includes three wins from his last six, and when conditions are right, he’s shown the stamina and class to be competitive at a high level. Jockey Ben Jones has steered him successfully before, and although the yard hasn’t hit recent heights (0-16 last 14 days), the form of the horse himself warrants respect. With race fitness assured and a mark that could still underestimate his ability over a marathon trip, Henry’s Friend represents excellent value and is primed for a bold showing in what looks an open renewal.

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Herrin Kendrick
Herrin Kendrick is a sports journalist with 10 years of experience in the sports betting industry. His work has been referenced by many sports publications over the years. Sport passionate.