THE mighty Denman heads the weights for next month’s Coral Scottish Grand National as Paul Nicholls attempts to land a top end of season prize with the Cheltenham Gold Cup runner up.

The horse known as ‘The Tank’ and winner of more than £1 million in prizemoney has been allocated 11st 12 lbs with the second highest rated Madison du Berlais from the David Pipe yard set to carry 10st 1lb.

Notable contenders from further down the handicap include the Haydock Blue Square Gold Cup winner Silver By Nature (10st) from the Lucinda Russell yard vying to become the first Scottish-trained winner of the race since Cockle Strand in 1982, the Cheltenham RSA Chase runner up Burton Point (9st 10lbs) and the Cheltenham William Trophy winner and runner up Chief Dan George (9st 6lbs) and The Package (9st 5lbs).

Ferdy Murphy has entered another Cheltenham victor – National Hunt Chase winner Poker de Sivola (8st 10lbs) and Faasel just touched off in the Kim Muir in the Cotswolds is 1lb higher in the weights.

But it is the Denman entry that will attract all the attention and although Paul Nicholls has five other entries including likely John Smith’s Grand National runner Big Fella Thanks, indications are that the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and 2009 and 2010 runner up will line up in the £200,000 race.

Lindsey Smith, marketing manager at Ayr Racecourse commented: “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.”

Advance ticket sales are well ahead of last year and can be booked by calling 01292-264179 or by going online at www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk with special discounts available for those booked seven or more days before the meeting.