Denman set for Scottish National Denman is "virtually certain" to run in next month's Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr if conditions are deemed suitable. Paul Nicholls' former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, runner-up at Prestbury Park earlier this month, has been allotted top weight of 11st 12lb for the April 17 showpiece. "I think Ayr is virtually certain if the ground is soft. However, if the ground is fast, or even good, he will not be running. It has got to be on the soft side," said joint-owner Paul Barber. "Aintree has no chance and Punchestown has got some chance if the ground is right. "Ayr would have as good a chance as anywhere, but it's all on the ground - he might end up not running in any. At that time of year it can come up quick at Ayr and if it's quick ground, he won't be there." The second highest-rated contender, David Pipe's Madison Du Berlais, would carry only 10st 1lb if Denman ran.
