Miko De Beauchene and Halcon Genelardais, first and second in the Welsh National over Christmas, are set to renew their rivalry in the Scottish equivalent at Ayr on Saturday.

The presence of the latter plus the prospect of heavy ground appears to have scared-off much of the opposition, with only 40 of the 91 original entries left in at the forfeit stage.

Halcon Genelardais will carry top weight of 11st 12lb with his old rival next in the handicap on 10-10, making the former 5lb better off for a head beating at Chepstow.

The former high-class chaser Celestial Gold, Opera Mundi, plus beaten Grand National runners Vodka Bleu and Butler's Cabin the only others in the handicap proper.