See Andy Newton’s Scottish Grand National tips and key stats as he picks out his 1-2-3 best bets for Saturday’s big Ayr race.
Scottish Grand National: Mullins Eyes Famous Ayr Three-Timer
All eyes will be on Willie Mullins to see if he can pull off a famous three-timer in the Scottish Grand National.
Just like he managed at last weekend, when I Am Maximus won back his Aintree crown.
Mullins has just one runner – Road To Home, who will be popular after a close second to another Scottish Grand National runner Ask Brewster in the Kim Muir last time.
Especially as he’s 8lbs better off with the winner and was only beaten a neck (watch below).
But is also still hunting this first win over fences (0-5).
Cheltenham Form Could Be Key To Finding 2026 Scottish Grand National Winner
Two more horses that race well at Cheltenham – Kim Rogue and King Of Answers – will have many backers too and look set to fight it out for the Scottish National favourites berth.
But – be warned, the last outright winning Ayr jolly was back in 1999.
Kim Rogue was a running-on 4th in the already mentioned Kim Muir last time.
While King Of Answers was second in the NH Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Which was the same race last year’s Scottish National winner Captain Cody ran in before his big Ayr win.
King Of Answers will be looking to give Lucinda Russell a second Scottish Grand National winner after Mighty Thunder won in 2021.
However, the 7old has 11st 12lbs in weight and the Scottish Grand National trends tell us the last horse to win with such a burden was Grey Abbey in 2004 (11st 12lbs).
JP McManus Looking For Scottish-Aintree Double
Last Saturday JP McManus won the Aintree Grand National for a fourth time – when his I Am Maximus took the prize for a second time.
And the famous green and gold silks have a leading hope in the Scottish version on Saturday with MONTREGARD.
This 7yold has been kept fresh for a tilt at this race – a prize that McManus is also yet to win. With his last outing back in February (see below).
That was a winning run at Ascot and has now won four of his 10 career starts over fences.
He’s up just 4lbs for that win and the Tom Lacey yard have been in decent order of late.
There’s a lot to like.
"In DETERMINED style!" 💪
The Betfair Swinley Handicap Chase is Montregard's, with a fine ride from Johnny Burke for Tom Lacey! pic.twitter.com/7fICyy6nx1
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) February 14, 2026
Scottish Grand National Tips: ‘Make’ Git Your Each-Way Ayr Pick
However, the main Scottish Grand National tips is a horse that has history of running well in the contest.
Step forward GIT MAKER, who was an excellent third in 2024, when MacDermott won the prize.
Beaten only 4 1/2 lengths that year.
This Jamie Snowden runner was rated 133 back then and returns with a mark of 129. Meaning he’s 4lbs lower this time.
While, despite not winning a race since January 2023, he’s now rated just a pound higher than his last success.
He’s also returned this season to run some solid races in defeat.
Notably when third in the Midlands National to Isaac Des Obeaux last time out and is now 7lbs better off with the winner (watch below).
That came over 4m2f and as you can see he only ran out of petrol late on, so the drop back to 4m on Saturday is a further plus.
In short, we know he stays – plus we know he’s run well in the race before.
And, finally, we know he’s starting to look well-handicapped again.
Meaning at around 20/1 I’m happy to ‘make’ Git the value call on Saturday.
Andy Newton’s 1-2-3 Scottish Grand National Tips
🥇GIT MAKER (e/w)
🥈MONTREGARD
🥉KING OF ANSWERS
Key Scottish Grand National Stats 📈
- 22/22 – Ran 57 days or less ago
- 19/22 – Top 6 last time out
- 18/22 – Aged 8 or older
- The last outright winning favourite was in 1999 (Young Kenny, 1999)
Scottish Grand National Date 2026🗓️
📅 Date: Saturday, April 18th 2026
⌚ Time: 3:35pm
🏇 Racecourse: Ayr
🔄 Trip: 4m
💷 Winner: £112,540
📺 TV: ITV Racing / Racing TV
