Lucinda Russell finds a silver lining as Denman targets Ayr

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Bidding to become the first Scottish-trained horse since Cockle Strand in 1982 to win the four-mile handicap chase, Silver By Nature, who runs in the colours of St Johnstone Football Club chairman Geoff Brown, is currently in the form of his life.

He followed up his narrow second in the Welsh National by routing a good field in the Grade Three Blue Square Gold Cup at Haydock in February. And now trainer Lucinda Russell is keeping her fingers crossed that 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and this season's runner-up Denman will run under the burden of 12st 4lb.

She said: "The Scottish National is very much the plan. We really hope that Denman runs to keep the weights down.

"If he does, there will be only four horses that will be running in the handicap proper and Silver By Nature hasn't had 10st on his back for a very long time. He is in fantastic form."

Russell added: "If Denman doesn't run, then we have an entry in the Punchestown Gold Cup as insurance and in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown."

Silver By Nature is a 7-1 shot with sponsors Coral for the Scottish National, while Denman is their 5-2 favourite.

Meanwhile, it was announced today there will be no Good Friday racing next year.

The board of the British Horseracing Authority had been in talks over the contentious issue but decided against changing the fixtures for next year.