AINTREE Grand National hero Ruby Walsh aims to complete a grand slam tomorrow.

The Irish jockey, who rode Hedgehunter to victory last Saturday, has also won the Irish and Welsh Nationals this year, respectively on Numbersixvalverde and Silver Birch.

Tomorrow he goes for a clean sweep in the Scottish Grand National. His mount Cornish Rebel has an outstanding chance.

Paul Nicholls' charge, a brother to Best Mate and three times a winner this term, finished third to Trabolgan on his latest start, in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Chase at last month's Cheltenham Festival.

The quickish ground that day was against him, but tomorrow's easier conditions and the step up to four miles should bring the best out of Cornish Rebel.

Comply Or Die, who finished just in front of Cornish Rebel at Cheltenham but meets him on 3lb worse terms tomorrow, is a major danger. The best of the lightweights could be Keith Reveley's Malek, a Kelso winner last time and a proven stayer.

On a high-class card at Ayr, Akilak could be difficult to beat in the Purvis Marquees Juvenile Hurdle. A good third in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham on ground too fast for him, Akilak had won his two previous races and is my Nap selection to regain the winning thread.

At Thirsk, the £14,000 Harlequin Clear Air Conditions Stakes looks a good opportunity for Mine after his creditable effort under a hefty burden in the Lincoln Handicap.

Welsh Emperor, a mud-lover trained near Tadcaster by Tom Tate, goes for the Michael Foster Conditions Stakes and will relish the good to soft ground.

At Newbury, Common World can step up on his third-placed effort in the Lincoln Handicap by winning the Stan James Spring Cup. The easier ground tomorrow will suit the Irish raider, who was the first horse home on the far side of the course at Doncaster.

Tomorrow's tips

Ayr

Selected races: 1.45 Akilak (Nap), 3.25 Cornish Rebel.

Thirsk

2.30 One Trick Pony, 3.00 Mine, 3.35 Pont Neuf, 4.10 Welsh Emperor, 4.40 Harrys House, 5.10 Whitethorne.

Newbury

TV races: 2.05 Day Flight, 2.35 Common World, 3.10 Penkenna Princess, 3.45 Indesatchel.

Tomorrow's other meetings are at Bangor, Nottingham and Wolverhampton.

Updated: 10:08 Friday, April 15, 2005