Denman in the frame for Ayr raid

DENMAN is “virtually certain” to run in next month’s Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr if conditions are deemed suitable.

Paul Nicholls’ former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, runner-up in the race earlier this month, has been allotted top weight of 11st 12lb for the April 17 showpiece.

Joint-owner Paul Barber admits a trip north of the border could now be a real possibility.