Architect has analysed the leading runners in the Scottish Grand National after 23 were declared for the race.
Scottish Grand National
The Scottish Grand National is always the highlight of Ayr’s racing calendar, and the 2025 edition is set to be no different.
23 horses are still in the running for this gruelling four-mile contest after Thursday's declaration stage. Willie Mullins has a team of six in the race including the favourite Chosen Witness.
Architect Tips examines the leading runners.
Betfred
- Huge range of regular promotions
- 24/7 live chat service
- PickYourPunt builder for custom bets
Scottish Grand National Key Runners
Chosen Witness - 9/2
Secured a victory at this meeting last year over hurdles but has struggled in four outings since, although he was performing well in a Grade 2 race against strong competition last time before unseating his jockey four fences from home.
Appears fairly rated at a mark of 137, but it’s difficult to envisage him triumphing in only his fourth chase start. In my view, he lacks the experience and his jumping will face immense scrutiny. He carries the hopes of last year’s winning team.
Olympic Man - 14/1
Broke his duck over fences last time, but I’m not convinced he’s suited to a challenge like this, and his trainer has stronger contenders in the field.
Captain Cody - 12/1
Another from Willie Mullins’ ranks with solid form to his name. That said, he unseated his rider in the National Hunt Chase last time and would prefer softer ground. He has potential to improve over fences but is difficult to fancy for last year’s winning team.
Macdermott - 17/2
Received a masterful ride to win this race 12 months ago but has been lacklustre in four runs since, making his recent poor effort a less-than-ideal lead-in. Only 5lb higher than last year, but he doesn’t seem poised to repeat, so I’m against him.
Rock My Way - 12/1
Delivered a career-best chase performance when second in the National Hunt Chase last time, his first go beyond three miles. He could thrive in longer races, and this extra distance might unlock further improvement. At seven, he’s young enough to progress, and he’ll enjoy the ground, making him an outsider worth considering for the Tizzards.
Surrey Quest - 14/1
Ran a cracker to finish a nose-second in this race last year and, despite a 6lb higher mark this time, it’s clearly been the target again. His recent third in the Edinburgh National was decent, so he’s not to be dismissed, though he’ll need a bit more to go one better than last year.
Henry’s Friend - 16/1
A four-time chase winner, he didn’t fare too badly when eighth in the Ultima last month, but stamina concerns linger, and it’s tough to see him stepping up from that run to win this even more demanding race.
The Kniphand - 18/1
A horse on the up, he finished a strong second in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster last time. The seven-year-old thrives on stamina, and there’s likely more to come. Nigel Twiston-Davies, a three-time winner of this race, knows how to prepare one for this prize, and this improving youngster looks a serious contender.
Scottish Grand National Tips
CHOSEN WITNESS (best price 9/2) is the big favourite to win among the oddschecker community, having taken more than 15% of the bets on the winner market since the start of the week.
High Class Hero has a 7% share, with no other declared runners getting more than 5% backing. Chosen Witness will be ridden by Sean O'Keeffe after Mullins' jockey bookings for the Scottish Grand National did not include Paul Townend:
- Olympic Man - Patrick Mullins
- Macdermott - Danny Mullins
- Captain Cody - Harry Cobden
- Chosen Witness - Sean O'Keeffe
- Spanish Harlem - Brian Hayes
- Klarc Kent - Johnny Burke
