Scottish Grand National predictions & tips: why this horse can win

The Coral Scottish Grand National (3.35) at Ayr is one of the big jump racing betting heats of the season, with 21 runners going to post for the 4m chase worth £200,000. A selection of our tipsters, analysts and reporters have picked out their best bet in the race.

• Confirmed runners and riders for the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday   

King Of Answers

Forecast odds: 6-1

By Harry Wilson, tipster

King Of Answers looked well ahead of his mark when bolting up in first-time cheekpieces in the mud at Kelso on his penultimate start and produced a career best off a 10lb higher mark when second in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham last month, showing he handled better ground in the process.

The Racing Post Rating of 151 he achieved that day suggests a 3lb rise to a mark of 143 should not be beyond him, and the extra emphasis on stamina should play to his strengths.

King Of Answers15:35 Ayr

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Jky: Derek Fox Tnr: Lucinda Russell & Michael Scudamore

Quebecois

Forecast odds: 7-1

By Jack Haynes, reporter

Quebecois ran his best race yet when third from the front in the Ultima and should be a big player in the Scottish National.

The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old won a novice handicap hurdle at this meeting last year, beating recent Martin Pipe eyecatcher Jump Allen by four and three quarter lengths.

The Ultima form was franked by Grand National placed horses Iroko and Jagwar and Quebecois can confirm the promise of that effort when tackling a marathon trip for the first time.

Quebecois15:35 Ayr

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Jky: Harry Cobden Tnr: Paul Nicholls

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Blaze The Way

Forecast odds: 16-1

By Joe Eccles, reporter

Blaze The Way has enjoyed a productive first season over fences, getting off the mark in this sphere when landing a competitive handicap chase at Cheltenham in December.

Although not quite at that level in two subsequent outings he did shape a little better than the bare result in the Ultima last time, having been hampered and losing his position on the turn for home.

He strikes as the type who could be suited by a dour test and the addition of first-time cheekpieces may unlock some improvement.

Blaze The Way15:35 Ayr

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Jky: Danny Mullins Tnr: Ms Margaret Mullins

Git Maker

Forecast odds: 18-1

By Matt Rennie, reporter

Git Maker may be vulnerable to younger types, but I can still see him running another big race in the Scottish Grand National.

The ten-year-old was fine third in the 2024 running behind Macdermott and blinkers have helped him recently, with a solid run in the Grand National Trial at Haydock before a good third in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter.

This slight drop in trip will help and he's 4lb lower than when third two years ago. Don't be surprised if he's in with a good shout under an in-form Jonathan Burke.

Git Maker15:35 Ayr

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Jky: Jonathan Burke Tnr: Jamie Snowden

Promontory

Forecast odds: 20-1

By David Toft, deputy raceday editor

Easily the most interesting runner in the Scottish National has to be Promontory, who at the age of nine, has only run nine times and secured two victories. 

Just five of those starts have been over 2m7f or further, and he heads into this off a career best at Leopardstown on his first attempt past 3m under Donagh Meyler, who knows a thing or two about winning Nationals. 

Carrying the famous silks of Malcolm Denmark, he should have improvement in him and he’s a big price with that in mind.

Promontory15:35 Ayr

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Jky: Donagh Meyler Tnr: Sarah Joanna Connell

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2026 Scottish Grand National complete guide

What time does the Scottish Grand National start?

The 2026 Scottish Grand National is scheduled to start at 3.35pm BST on Saturday, April 18.

How many horses run in the 2026 Scottish Grand National?

There are 21 runners declared for the 2026 Scottish Grand National.

Who won the Scottish Grand National last year?

Captain Cody won the 2025 Scottish National, providing Willie Mullins with back-to-back victories having struck with Macdermott in 2024.

What channel is the Scottish Grand National on?

The Scottish Grand National will be broadcast live on ITV1. You can also watch the race on Racing TV and stream it through bookmakers’ websites if you have a funded account or place a qualifying bet.

How do I place a bet on the Scottish Grand National? 

You can place a bet on the Scottish Grand National online, in betting shops, or via mobile apps with most major bookmakers. If you’re looking for extra value, head over to our free bets page.

What is each-way betting and how does it work for the Scottish Grand National?

An each-way bet is essentially two bets in one: one part of your stake goes on your horse to win, and the other part goes on it to place. If your horse wins, you get paid on both parts. If it only places — usually finishing in the top five or six depending on the bookmaker — you’ll receive a payout at a fraction of the win odds, typically 1/5 or 1/4. 

The Scottish Grand National is a prime race for each-way betting because of the large field and long odds, giving punters a shot at a decent return even if their horse doesn’t win.

Read this next:

Confirmed runners and riders for the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday 

Who will win the 2026 Scottish Grand National based on previous trends? 

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