Scottish Grand National Runners 2024: A guide to the field of 26

Ayr stages the Scottish Grand National on Saturday (15:35), exactly a week after Willie Mullins' I Am Maximus surged to victory in the big one at Aintree.

In his bid for a first UK trainers' championship, Mullins saddles six of the 26 Scottish Grand National runners, who are listed and assessed below.

Macdermott (Willie Mullins/Danny Mullins) @ 6/1

Progressive chaser who was impressive on his last start and first over three miles. Looks made for this marathon trip. Big chance.

Mr Incredible (Willie Mullins/Patrick Mullins) @ 7/1

Was sent off 10/1 at Aintree last weekend before unseating his jockey at the halfway stage. Providing that hasn't taken its toll, he ought to be in the mix.

Git Maker (Jamie Snowden/Gavin Sheehan) @ 15/2

Although beaten a long way, his clear second to Inothewayurthinkin in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival looks strong after the former won a Grade 1 easily at Aintree last week. Good claims.

Anglers Crag (Brian Ellison/Henry Brooke) @ 8/1

This nine-year-old has improved beyond recognition this season, winning four handicap chases on the bounce which has seen his mark rise from 106 to 134. Another step forward is required but that would come as no surprise.

Spanish Harlem (Willie Mullins/Paul Townend) @ 9/1

This lightly-raced six-year-old has always promised more than he's delivered but his latest run was a career-best in my book and he steps drastically up in trip (from 2m4f to 4m). Very interesting - and likely a tell - that Paul Townend has picked him.

Stay Away Fay (Paul Nicholls/Harry Cobden) @ 12/1

One of, if not the classiest runner in the field. That's factored into his lofty mark, however, and he was pulled-up in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham and scoped dirty after so has questions to answer.

Inis Oirr (Lucinda Russell/Derek Fox) @ 12/1

Would be hard to advise but for his 21-length triumph in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh in February. It could be the case that he comes into his own over these marathon trips and that makes him interesting.

Whacker Clan (Henry de Bromhead/Rachael Blackmore) @ 12/1

He represents top connections and is on a lowly mark, but he had a hard race in the Kim Muir and has a lot of ground to make up on Git Maker, let alone the rest of the field, on that form. There's better alternatives in my mind..

My Silver Lining (Emma Lavelle/James Best) @ 14/1

So consistent this season, dancing many dances including the Midlands National. The concern is whether this is one too many, but he looks to have every chance and rates excellent each-way value.

Beauport (Nigel Twiston-Davies/Jordan Nailor) @ 16/1

The Midlands National winner. Only raised five pounds for that victory and he has strong claims of following up if in similar form.

Mr Vango (Sara Bradstock/Jack Tudor) @ 16/1

Won the Devon National at Exeter by a whopping 60 lengths on just his second start over fences before a fine effort in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. A return to handicap company will suit, as would any further rain.

Ballygriffincottage (Dan Skelton/Harry Skelton) @ 20/1

Held by a few of these on his run in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter last month but he is better off at the weights and should appreciate the slightly shorter trip on better ground. He looks good value.

Klarc Kent (Willie Mullins/Sean O'Keefe) @ 20/1

Similar to his more-fancied stablemate Macdermott, this is a progressive chaser who looks all stamina. Needs to step forward again but there's every chance he will.

We'llhavewan (Willie Mullins/Kieran Callaghan) @ 20/1

Disappointing in a couple of big handicaps, including the Irish Grand National, this season and he's hard to advise. He is trained by a master, though, and carries little weight.

Iron Bridge (Jonjo O'Neill/Jonjo O'Neill Jr.) @ 25/1

Useful on his day but that's not very often. Pulled-up on his last start so forgiveness is needed. Not one on my radar.