Denman to tank it to Ayr for National

Paul Nicholls' 2008 Gold Cup winner, who finished second behind Imperial Commander in the blue riband at Cheltenham earlier this month, is rated "virtually certain" to run in Scottish jump racing's most prestigious race on 17 April and has been allotted top weight of 11st 12lb.

Joint-owner Paul Barber revealed yesterday a trip north of the Border is on the cards for the horse known as 'The Tank', especially if underfoot conditions remain on the soft side.

"I think Ayr is virtually certain if the ground is soft," said Barber. "However, if the ground is fast, or even good, he will not be running. It has got to be on the soft side.

"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 10st 1lb, while other notable contenders from further down the handicap include Lucinda Russell's Haydock Blue Square Gold Cup winner Silver By Nature.

Nicholls has five other entries, including Big Fella Thanks.

Lindsey Smith, Ayr marketing manager, said: "What a great boost it is for the Coral Scottish Grand National that Denman is amongst the entries. It underlines the standing the race has in the racing calendar and if Paul Nicholls does declare him it will create an unprecedented interest in the race."

Sponsors Coral reacted to the surprising news by making Denman their 5-2 favourite for the Ayr marathon.

Spokesman David Stevens said: "Clearly if Denman were to run he would be a red-hot favourite. Although his presence would give us a very one-sided book, that would be more than compensated by the interest he would generate."

Meanwhile, Paul Nolan believes Alpha Ridge could prove well handicapped when he lines up in the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday. The eight-year-old is still a maiden over fences after four starts but has filled the runner-up spot three times, most notably chasing home the high-class Pandorama in the Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse in December.

Nolan feels a three-month break since his last run has left his charge in rude health and he is looking forward to seeing how his charge gets on next week. "Alpha Ridge will hopefully take his chance. He needs a few to come out but I'm sure enough will to make sure he gets a run," said Nolan. "It looks as though he has a lenient enough mark."

Oscar Looby and Across The Bay are both set to line up for Noel Meade, but the likely testing conditions mean Aran Concerto is likely to miss out. "Across The Bay will almost certainly go for the National and he also stays well and goes in soft ground," said Meade.