Mercer looks to be Leading Man again in the Scottish National

Apr 19 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

KEITH MERCER is looking to play another leading role in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr this afternoon.

The Formby jockey scored his biggest career success when partnering the Ferdy Murphy-trained Joes Edge to victory in the 4m1f showpiece three years ago (pictured after the win, right). Today he teams up again with the Yorkshire-based handler, when he partners one of his two entries in Leading Man.

The 25-year-old jockey naturally has happy memories of the race, while trainer Murphy is bidding for a fourth victory in the last decade.

The duo also teamed up for victory at Ayr yesterday as Three Mirrors, second at Aintree two weeks ago, went one better in the Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase.

Mercer said: “The Scottish National is a special race for me obviously. It was a great day and it would be nice for a repeat. I will be doing my best to win it again. He looks to hold a decent chance.

“He has been going great and Ferdy’s record in the race. I rode Leading Man this morning and he felt great so with a bit of luck we can go close.”

The eight-year-old, like all but three of the 24-strong field, is out of the handicap proper due to the participation of Cheltenham Gold Cup fourth and last year’s Coral Welsh National hero Halcon Genelardais at the head of the weights.

It means Leading Man is carrying 13lbs more than his official rating. But Joes Edge was similarly out of the handicap when he just prevailed ahead of the Ruby Walsh-ridden Cornish Rebel by the tightest of margins in a thrilling finish.

Mercer said: “It is unique this year with the top weight putting everything out of the handicap, so it is hard to know exactly what will happen. It is not ideal, but we’ll have to get on with it.

“Joes Edge was 5lbs out of the handicap and I had a 3lb claim, this time we are 13lbs wrong, but it shows it can be done. All the top horses are obviously highly-rated and they are very classy, but it is a national and they don’t always go to the horses at the top of the handicap. But it is a very hard race to work out really.”

Leading Man has run his best races at Wetherby over the past few seasons, landing the Rowland Meyrick Chase at the Yorkshire last season, and also finishing a decent second under Mercer this Christmas.

On his last run Leading Man was five lengths off King Harald under Graham Lee at Doncaster, but like stable-mate and one of today’s rivals Noir Et Vert, he has been aimed at this race for since that run.

Mercer got his chance to be reunited with Leading Man with stable jockey Lee still out injured. He added: “I didn’t have a choice on who I would ride, I was offered the chance on Leading Man and was delighted to get the ride. I rode him when he was second in the Rowland Meyrick and won on him in a novices’ chase at Wetherby so I know him pretty well.

“He has run very well at Wetherby, but I’m sure he’ll by fine at Ayr – it is a galloping track and it should suit him. He jumps well and stays.

“He is pretty versatile as regards the ground, but with it drying out all the time at Ayr, it should be ideal jumping ground. All I need now it a bit of luck and I am looking forward to it.”

CORAL SCOTTISH NATIONAL PREDICTION:1 LEADING MAN 2 Noir Et Vert 3 Old Benny. WEEKEND NAPS: TODAY: Rose Siog (4.25pm Thirsk).TOMORROW: Cerebus (2.40pm Great Leighs).