Tipsters are out in full force in the build up to the 2008 Scottish Grand National race. With many attempting to point punters in the direction of the likely race winner, Scottish National Betting will instead provide some cues that can be used to detect which horses have a real chance in Sunday’s race.

The first thing to take into consideration at the 2008 Scottish National race is that weight does not play as significant a role in this handicap as it does in other top national hunt races. Recent race history shows that wins have been achieved at the top weight of 11st 12lbs, as well as much lighter loads.

With weight not a major determining factor in the race, punters need to consider the age of the runners. Seven seems to be the magic age for winning the Scottish National race, with eight year olds also doing well over the last decade. Only three horses outside the 7-8 year old age range have won the Scottish National in the last ten years.

Finally turf conditions and race distance are crucial for determining winners. The going is likely to be soft come Sunday, so punters are advised to seek out horses who excel in softer conditions. At 4 miles and 11 yards the race is clearly one for stayers, and punters are advised to restrict bets to horses that have performed well over distances greater than 3 miles.