Scottish Grand National Runners 2025: Mullins dominates 23-strong field

Exactly a week after Nick Rockett's victory in the big one at Aintree, it's time for the Scottish Grand National at Ayr on Saturday (15:35).

A field of 23 has been declared for the four-mile contest and I've produced a guide to all of the Scottish Grand National runners.

Chosen Witness (Willie Mullins/Sean O'Keeffe) @ 9/2

One of six for title-chasing Willie Mullins. This eight-year-old gelding who sports the McCarthy silks of Kopek Des Bordes fame was successful over hurdles at this meeting last year and is just seven pounds higher on Saturday after a few promising spins over fences this term. The suspicion is he has more to give and if he acts on the quicker ground, he has every chance.

Macdermott (Willie Mullins/Danny Mullins) @ 8/1

Last year's hero returns to Ayr off five pounds higher. He's failed to complete three of his four starts this term and he was right out the back of the tele on that one occasion he got round safely. Hard to advise on that, but doubt the all-conquering Mullins at your peril.

Scottish Grand National Odds

Olympic Man (Willie Mullins/Patrick Mullins) @ 9/1

In the absence of stable jockey Paul Townend, he's the pick of Aintree hero Patrick Mullins. A long way behind stablemate Captain Cody at Navan earlier this year, but his previous run behind Dancing City and recent victory at Naas is classy form. Trip is an unknown and he can be a tricky ride, but his claims are undeniable.

Rock My Way (Joe Tizzard/Brendan Powell) @ 10/1

Only seven years old, but the son of Getaway has gained plenty of crucial experience in these big-field staying handicaps. Huge effort to finish runner-up in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham on just his second start for Joe Tizzard and he's only been put up a pound. Very much of interest.

Henry's Friend (Ben Pauling/Ben Jones) @ 10/1

A useful handicapper, but he was a little disappointing in the Ultima at the Festival off a career-high 145. Only a pound lower on Saturday and question marks remain about the trip. Each-way claims.

Captain Cody (Willie Mullins/Harry Cobden) @ 11/1

Grade 2-winning novice hurdler improved for every run over the bigger obstacles this term and he was quietly fancied for the National Hunt Chase at last month's Cheltenham Festival. Unseated at the 13th fence and now comes here off an unchanged mark of 140. Good claims for the Mullins camp.

Surrey Quest (Toby Lawes/Kevin Brogan) @ 11/1

Just touched off by Macdermott in this last year and he's only six pounds higher on his return 12 months later. Has performed admirably in defeat this season and I suspect he's been working backwards from this race. Big chance.

Walking On Air (Faye Bramley/Richie McLernon) @ 12/1

On certain form lines - such as his weight-giving second to Henry's Friend at Newbury over two years ago when at Nicky Henderson's - he has a good chance. However, he's been largely disappointing this year for Gary Brown and has changed hands again after a modest performance in the Kim Muir last month. Needs a revival of sorts.

Hasthing (Jonjo & A J O'Neill/Jonjo O'Neill Jr) @ 14/1

Rose from a mark of 118 to 133 courtesy of back-to-back victories at Windsor during the winter, and he was still in contention when coming down at the last in the National Hunt Chase at the Festival. Does plenty wrong in running, but he probably has a big pot in him if things fall into place. Couldn't put you off.

Spanish Harlem (Willie Mullins/Brian Hayes) @ 16/1

Sixth in last year's Scottish Grand National and he returns 12 months later off four pounds lower. Hasn't been in great form this season, but he's been keeping good company and this has likely been his aim for a while. Could make the frame.

The Kniphand (Nigel Twiston-Davies/Sam Twiston-Davies) @ 16/1

Only seven, lightly-raced in comparison to the majority of his rivals on Saturday and he arrives off the back of one of the better efforts of his career. Will enjoy conditions, too. Lots to like.

Sail Away (Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton) @ 20/1

The main hope for the Skeltons. Not as good as he once was, but the son of Martaline has been in good form of late and this is his first try over further than three miles. Respected a little bit more given what's at stake for the yard.

Wiseguy (Nicky Henderson/Nico de Boinville) @ 22/1

Rated a career-high 131 after winning at Newbury back in November and he's struggled to compete since. Not a terrible run in the Kim Muir at the recent Cheltenham Festival, but more is required if he's to win this off 129.

Our Power (Sam Thomas/Dylan Johnston) @ 25/1

Consistent 10-year-old who's been in good form again this season. Winless in over two years, however, and this is a big ask at this stage of his career. Each-way claims, though.

Famous Bridge (Nicky Richards/Sean Quinlan) @ 25/1

Looks well overpriced given he beat Apple Away, who was amongst the favourites before she wasn't declared on Thursday morning, off level weights in the Grand National Trial at Haydock earlier this year. Only three pounds worse off here for a three-length margin. Definite claims.

Flash De Touzaine (Liz Doyle/Sean Flanagan) @ 25/1

Ten-year-old who returned to the winners' enclosure for the first time in two-and-a-half years at Limerick last month. That was a modest race in comparison, though, and he's seven pounds higher. Lots to do.

Klarc Kent (Willie Mullins/Jonathan Burke) @ 25/1

Staying-on fourth in last season's renewal gives him a good chance, but the nine-year-old son of Spanish Moon's recent form is unrecognisable. Extremely dangerous off eight pounds lower if back to something like.

Magna Sam (Alastair Ralph/TBC) @ 25/1

Winner of two Edinburgh Nationals, but the 11-year-old is a different horse at Musselburgh to everywhere else. His form away from the East Lothian venue over the last five years reads 0F66PP53P5PP3 and he's hard to advise round here.

Brandt (Cian Collins/Sean Bowen) @ 25/1

Rated as low as 91 before this calendar year, during which he's improved significantly. Seven-year-old has been raised to 120 after winning a competitive handicap at Leopardstown last month off 10lbs lower and the booking of Sean Bowen is very eye-catching. Interesting.

Snipe (Dan Skelton/Harry Atkins) @ 33/1

The lesser-fancied of Jumps Trainers' Championship leader Dan Skelton's two runners. Consistent type and he's off a featherweight under a seven-pound claimer, but this is a fair ask on all known form.

Dom Of Mary (David Bridgwater/Caoilin Quinn) @ 40/1

Nine-year-old whose best form is over marathon trips. Finished a remote eighth in the Kim Muir last month and more is needed to win this. Wouldn't be a major shock if he ran into a place, though.

Mr Incredible (Sandy Thomson/Alice Stevens) @ 50/1

At his best a very useful staying chaser for Willie Mullins, but his form petered towards the end of his time at Closutton and he's continued to struggle for new trainer Sandy Thomson. Burdened by topweight and the nine-year-old requires a complete revival to be competitive here.

Gronzi (James Owen/Callum Pritchard) @ 50/1

Sixth in the Kim Muir at the last two Festivals and this nine-year-old son of Saddler Maker can certainly make his presence known off 127 with a valuable five-pound claimer doing the steering. Couldn't put anyone off an each-way bet.

Extra Place Race: Betfred are paying 5 places (instead of 4) at 1/5 the odds for the Scottish Grand National.

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