DENMAN is “virtually certain” to run in the Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr on April 17.

Paul Nicholls’ 10-year-old, who was runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, is the top weight with 11st12lb for the Ayr showpiece and sponsors Coral make him their 5-2 favourite.

Joint-owner Paul Barber is seriously considering running the former Gold Cup winner in the Scottish contest as long as conditions are suitable.

Barber said: “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. 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 in the list is David Pipe’s Madison Du Berlais, who would carry just 10st1lb. Other contenders include Lucinda Russell’s Haydock Blue Square Gold Cup winner Silver By Nature, while Nicholls has five other entries, including John Smith’s Grand National favourite Big Fella Thanks.

Sponsors Coral’s 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.”

Ayr marketing manager Lindsey Smith added: “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.”