Scottish Grand National 2026
The Scottish Grand National is one of the toughest staying handicaps of the jumps season and it usually rewards a very specific type of horse.
At Turf Talk, every runner has been assessed against proven historical race trends before being ranked using our Turf Talk ratings model. The trends identify the right type of horse, the ratings rank the strongest profiles, and the final filter helps isolate the runners most likely to cope with a searching test around Ayr.
This final update includes confirmed runners, jockey bookings, fresh trainer and jockey form, plus the latest going update of soft, which places even more emphasis on stamina, toughness and jumping reliability.
Key Scottish Grand National Trends
• 11/11 winners were rated 135+
• 9/11 winners were aged between 7 and 10
• 9/11 winners carried between 10-00 and 11-03
• 10/11 winners ran within the last 35 days
• 9/11 winners had at least 1 win that season
• 8/11 winners had at least 7 runs over 24f+
• 9/11 winners had at least 1 previous win over 24f+
• 10/11 winners had at least 5 chase runs
• 8/11 winners had at least 2 chase wins
• 19/20 winners achieved an RPR of 132+ on their last win
• 20/20 winners ran in 4 to 22 chase races
These core trends are then supported by wider factors including current trainer form, jockey form, going suitability, course record and recent profile.
Turf Talk Trend Match + Ratings
Trend Match % reflects how closely each runner matches the historical Scottish Grand National winner profile. Ratings are shown on our established 200+ Turf Talk scale.
| Horse | Trend Match | Rating | Age | Weight | Ground | Trainer | Jockey | Key Positives | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montregard | 95% | 232 | 7 | 11-1 | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | Ideal age, progressive profile, trainer flying, jockey flying, ideal weight | TOP RATED |
| Quebecois | 94% | 230 | 7 | 11-13 | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | Ideal age, Ayr winner, Cobden booked, classy and reliable profile | MAIN DANGER |
| King Of Answers | 92% | 225 | 7 | 11-12 | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | Strong staying profile, yard much improved, solid age and weight fit | STRONG CONTENDER |
| Famous Bridge | 90% | 221 | 10 | 11-1 | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ | Trainer red hot, proven stamina, soft ground a major plus | VALUE PLAY |
| Isaac Des Obeaux | 89% | 219 | 8 | 11-8 | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✗ | Progressive type, strong stable, but jockey stats temper confidence | SHORTLIST |
| Road To Home | 87% | 214 | 7 | 11-6 | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Right age and fair profile, respected connections | PLACE CHANCE |
| Chasingouttheblues | 86% | 212 | 7 | 10-9 | ✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Low weight, improving type, right age and profile | LIVE OUTSIDER |
| Maximilian | 85% | 210 | 10 | 11-1 | ✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ | Consistent type, yard going well | OUTSIDER |
95%+ = elite match | 90-94% = strong contender | below 90% = needs extra positives elsewhere
Final Selections
Montregard (9/1)
Now looks the strongest overall fit on the final Turf Talk model. The age, weight and progressive profile are ideal, while both trainer and jockey arrive in outstanding recent form. Soft ground conditions only strengthen his chance.
Quebecois (12/1)
Still one of the classiest and most reliable contenders in the field. Ayr form is a major plus, and while top weight is never ideal in this race, he remains a huge danger to all.
King Of Answers (13/2)
The improved Lucinda Russell stable form lifts confidence considerably. He has a solid staying profile, fits the key age bracket and looks a serious contender if seeing out the trip strongly.
Verdict
Montregard now rates as the strongest overall fit on the final Turf Talk model, with Quebecois the class danger, King Of Answers a serious threat on revised stable form, and Famous Bridge the standout each-way value play.
