Nicola Sturgeon has branded former First Minister Alex Salmond a "gambler" and says he "backs the horses on a nearly daily basis".
The SNP leader took aim at Salmond during a fiery radio interview over his plans to create a 'super-majority' for independence in the Scottish Parliament.
Sturgeon was quizzed on Good Morning Scotland about her predecessor's new Alba Party which was set up last Friday to fight in the upcoming Holyrood election on May 6.
It was emphasised by the current First Minister that if voters want an SNP government then they should vote for one, rather than shifting their vote to another pro-independence party.
Salmond created Alba to attempt to achieve an independence "super-majority" in the Holyrood chamber, as he looks to fulfil his lifelong political ambition of achieving Scottish independence.
In response, Sturgeon said any vote other than the SNP would be a risk and accused the 66-year-old of being a "gambler".
She said: "I think he is seeking to ask people to gamble on the outcome of this election.
"I don't think that is the right thing to do.
"I think if you want an SNP government, you need to vote for an SNP government and there are many positive reasons to do so.
"I don't think this is a friendly gesture on Mr Salmond's part towards the SNP.
"Everybody knew Alex Salmond was a gambler because he's never made any secret of it, he backs the horses on a nearly daily basis."
Sturgeon was also asked about her relationship with Salmond after their public fallout over the harassment scandal.
She added: "The point I'm making is about how he's behaving now.
"I trusted Alex Salmond for a long, long time."
The Alba Party has been contacted for comment.
