Ferdy Murphy's Paris Pike jumped his way into a crack at either the Irish or Scottish Nationals with a fine staying performance in the Kings Arms Handicap Chase at Kelso yesterday.

And his stable companion Addington Boy, who finished third, also has a big race date, at Aintree where he will meet yesterday's runner-up Sparky Gayle in the Aintree Grand National.

The first fence in the straight, which would also have been the last, was omitted because of the low lying sun and as a result the run-in was about three and a half furlongs.

Paris Pike went on at what was the last fence as The Grey Monk took a crashing fall and the former kept up the gallop relentlessly to beat Sparky Gayle by eight lengths, with Addington Boy a further 16 lengths adrift.

Murphy said: "This (Paris Pike) is the real article and there is a big race in him this or next year and we will look at the Irish and Scottish Nationals now.

"He is the most balanced horse I have ever schooled and has got gears - he will be an Aintree horse in a couple of years."

And of Addington Boy he added: "There is no need for him to go to Cheltenham now and he will head straight for the National."

The Grey Monk seemed sound after his mishap.

Charlie Swan is to set to raid Musselburgh on Monday after breaking his British duck with a double at Ludlow on Thursday.

He runs two horses and rides two others for Wexford trainer Paul Nolan at the Scottish track.

"I ride my own horse Hot Bunny in the first race at Musselburgh and JP McNamara will ride Born To Lead for me in the second," said Swan

"I ride Ephony Lady for Paul Nolan in the Whitecraig Handicap Hurdle and also Ahinduclint for Paul in the Port Seton Handicap Hurdle."

Lord Gyllene, winner of the 1991 Aintree Grand National, has met a setback and is not certain to be ready in time for this year's race.