25 in for Ayr showpiece Ante-post favourite Harry The Viking features among a 25-strong field following the final declaration stage for the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr. The seven-year-old, part-owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has won twice over hurdles and twice over fences this season and was last seen finishing a fine second to Teaforthree in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is bidding for a notable National double having won the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree for the first time last weekend with Neptune Collonges. Andrew Parker's Merigo won the extended four-mile contest in 2010 and was second 12 months ago. He returns to Ayr with strong claims having won at the track a month ago. Portrait King is a leading contender for the Irish. Maurice Phelan's stable star won at Punchestown in early February and followed up in the Eider Chase at Newcastle. Ikorodu Road is on a hat-trick following wins at Doncaster and Newbury, Cheltenham Gold Cup sixth Knockara Beau is an interesting player stepped up in distance and Galaxy Rock bids for glory for Jonjo O'Neill and Tony McCoy. Aintree faller Junior heads the weights for David Pipe, while other contenders include Fruity O'Rooney, Mostly Bob and Quentin Collonges. Joining Lie Forrit as a significant absentee is West End Rocker, another early casualty at Aintree last week.
