The 2025 Coral Scottish Grand National is almost here and you can add to the excitement by claiming an excellent ‘Bet £10 Get £30 Free Bets’ offer when you register a new account with leading UK bookmaker William hill.
2025 Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase
Date & Time: Saturday 12 April, 3.35pm
Venue: Ayr Racecourse
Winner’s Prize: £112,540
Going: Good to Soft
Live Coverage: ITV1 & Racing TV
Horse-by-Horse Guide to the 2025 Scottish Grand National
1: MR INCREDIBLE
Once considered a major staying prospect for Willie Mullins, this enigmatic chaser continues to frustrate. He was the final scratching from the Grand National last weekend, following a lacklustre effort when pulled up at Kelso. Infamously refused to race in this contest last year and has repeated the behaviour since. Hard to recommend with confidence in his current mindset.
2: HENRY’S FRIEND
An honest and likeable individual who returned from a break to run with credit in the Ultima at Cheltenham, fading after making a promising move. Landed a Newbury handicap earlier in the season by a wide margin and has form that stands up well on flat tracks like this. Could go well with a smoother passage.
3: OUR POWER
A consistent type who’s hit the frame in all starts this term, most recently third in a valuable Kempton contest. However, he was well held that day, and off a mark of 143, may find himself vulnerable to less exposed rivals. Will need a career-best to get involved.
4: OLYMPIC MAN
Lightly raced over fences and still learning the ropes. Made amends for previous jumping frailties when rallying late to land a maiden at Naas. Conditions underfoot have always been testing in his races, and this more exacting stamina test could expose lingering flaws in his technique.
5: MACDERMOTT
Caused a stir by winning this last year under a low weight, outbattling Surrey Quest in a thriller. Form this season has been underwhelming, but he did show signs of life before being pulled up in a listed contest. Off a 5 lb higher mark, a repeat will demand a step forward – but he can’t be ruled out.
6: FAMOUS BRIDGE
Unlucky to lose the Grand National Trial in the stewards’ room after finishing first past the post at Haydock. Ran creditably in the Ultima, doing his best work late. Proven over marathon distances and shaped as though an even greater test of stamina would suit. Likely player if the ground eases.
7: CAPTAIN CODY
Grade 2-winning hurdler who’s been quietly campaigned with an eye on a staying handicap. Fell mid-race in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, but had been shaping reasonably up to that point. Most effective when the ground is testing, and conditions will be key to his chances.
8: SURREY QUEST
Narrowly denied by Macdermott in this last year and arrives off the same mark. Scored twice earlier this campaign and filled the frame in the Edinburgh National on his latest outing. Consistent and battle-hardened, he’s sure to be staying on when others have cried enough.
9: CHOSEN WITNESS
Won over hurdles at this fixture 12 months ago and has shaped encouragingly over fences, despite not yet completing a full race in the spring. Was still travelling well when coming down in a Grade 2 at Navan. Quiet confidence in the market suggests a bold show is expected.
10: SPANISH HARLEM
Yet to get his head in front over fences, but his sixth-place effort in this last year was a solid run from a higher mark. Best form this term came when fourth in a decent Punchestown handicap. Has stamina in abundance and may surprise a few at a big price.
11: HASTHING
On an upward curve this winter with consecutive wins at Windsor, displaying strong finishing efforts. Was running a big race in the National Hunt Chase before a tired fall at the last, having made a costly error earlier on. Brings strong form and, granted a clear round, looks a serious contender.
12: ROCK MY WAY
Improved sharply in first-time headgear when chasing home Haiti Couleurs at Cheltenham, marking himself down as a strong stayer in the making. Yet to race outside novice company, but the manner of that recent run suggests he belongs in this grade. One for the shortlist.
13: SAIL AWAY
Multiple wind operations have interrupted his rhythm, but he’s proven his wellbeing with a close second at Warwick last time. Won at this meeting in 2022 and looks ready to strike again if holding it together physically. Has the class and stamina for the job.
14: WISEGUY
Made an immediate impact over fences when scoring at Newbury in November, but has struggled since. Faded out of contention in the Kim Muir and might benefit from a more searching stamina test. Best when fresh, and may improve again with that in mind.
15: FLASH DE TOUZAINE
Finished third in this race last year and got back on the winning trail in a veterans’ event at Limerick, bouncing back well from mid-season struggles. That confidence boost may prove timely and he remains one to respect with conditions to suit.
16: WALKING ON AIR
Talented but fragile, he looked to be coming good again at Doncaster before a final-fence fall. Found trouble in running at Cheltenham last time and couldn’t land a blow. Needs to prove he can string two solid performances together, but has a touch of class if things fall right.
17: THE KNIPHAND
Looked a bright prospect earlier in the campaign with novice wins at Southwell and Doncaster. Returned to form when runner-up in the Grimthorpe Chase and shapes as if extreme distances will suit well. One of the more intriguing runners with conditions in his favour.
18: GROZNI
Has had a busy and varied campaign, notching a hurdle win at Wetherby before holding his own in the Kim Muir. Rarely runs a bad race and could sneak into the places if the race falls apart late on, though more likely to find a few too strong.
19: DOM OF MARY
Has lined up in the last two editions of the Kim Muir, finishing midfield each time without ever threatening. Looks held by several of these on form and is difficult to fancy as a serious player.
20: SNIPE
Game little chaser who ran another honest race when third behind The Doyen Chief at Warwick. Looks ready for this sort of trip, though his usual hold-up tactics leave him hostage to fortune. May sneak into the frame if the race is run to suit.
21: KLARC KENT
Ran the race of his life to finish fourth in this at big odds last season and has been off the radar since. Glimmers of promise at Cheltenham last time but it remains to be seen if he can build on this promise on the west coast of Scotland this weekend.
22: MAGNA SAM
Staged a revival in first-time cheekpieces to win his second Edinburgh National in February. Fifth in this last year and clearly retains plenty of ability, though now aged 11. That age stat looms large, as it’s been a decade since a horse his age lifted this prize.
23: BRANDT
Reliable and tough, finally got his head in front at Leopardstown after a series of good efforts in defeat. Faces a tough task from a career-high mark, but hails from a shrewd stable that knows how to strike when the iron’s hot. May outperform his odds.
