3 minute read
Major Dundee can prove the solution to the fiendishly difficult puzzle that is this year’s Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
While not as experienced as many of his 23 rivals in the four-mile affair, Alan King's charge has made huge strides in each of three chase outings this term, winning at Fakenham and Bangor before surrendering his unbeaten run over fence at Newbury.
That was a slightly unlucky defeat at the hands of Fuji Flyer, as Major Dundee was a bit short of room on the run to the line, eventually being beaten just a length and a quarter over all but three miles.
This obviously represents another test in terms of distance and quality, but the way he stayed on at Newbury suggested a longer trip might suit and he could be an up-and-coming stayer who is a little ahead of his mark of 132.
Streets Of Doyen is well worth an each-way squeak. He showed Grade One form over hurdles but has found it tough going in decent company over fences this term after winning on debut at Galway back in July.
Dusart can return to winning ways in the CPMS Novices' Champion Handicap Chase, after finding the Cheltenham Festival tough going on the rain-drenched Wednesday.
Back on a sound surface and dropped markedly in class, Dusart can regain the winning thread, despite being saddled with top-weight.
Onemorefortheroad is another who can feel the benefit of better ground in the Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle.
He got a bit tired on his return to action in the Imperial Cup, coming home a 12-length fourth behind runaway Irish winner Suprise Package.
That was his first start since December, when he claimed a fine second in an Ascot Grade Three, although winner Tritonic has not boosted the form too much in the interim.
Granted a bit of progress for his recent pipe-opener, Onemorefortheroad can step forward for Grade Two honours.
First Figaro can make it a hat-trick in the Download The BetVictor App Cond' Jockeys' Veterans' Handicap Chase at Newbury.
Trained by Venetia Williams, the 12-year-old has struck up a great rapport with Ned Fox, winning each of his outings at Doncaster and Leicester in recent weeks.
His Town Moor victory came in a qualifier for this event while his Leicester success was in open company, blazing home by 14 lengths as he profited from escaping a penalty for his previous win.
Although now on a mark of 109, that remains a way shy of his hurdles high of 127 back in 2018.
Elsals can make a winning debut for Kevin Philippart de Foy in the Play Coral Racing-Super-Series For Free Novice Stakes at Lingfield.
The Havana Gold colt made just one start in the Shadwell colours for Richard Hannon, finishing a close-up third behind two more experienced runners in a maiden at York.
He entirely fluffed the start and was putting in all his best work at the finish, but the line came too soon to reel in the first two.
Sent to the sales in October, he changed hands for 140,000 guineas with his new team clearly liking what they saw on the Knavesmire.
Chase The Dollar can enhance his already impressive 2022 statistics with victory in the Betway Handicap at Wolverhampton.
He has won two of his four starts this year, most recently hitting the target over two miles at Kempton.
Dave Loughnane's charge has proved equally as adept over this slightly shorter 14-furlong trip too and looks to have more to give in the staying sphere.
SELECTIONS:
AYR: 1.15 Some Reign, 1.50 Dusart, 2.25 Onemorefortheroad, 3.00 Minella Drama, 3.35 MAJOR DUNDEE (NAP), 4.10 Aurora Thunder, 4.45 Getareason, 5.15 Idem.
CHEPSTOW: 1.08 Tarahumara, 1.42 Premiumaccess, 2.17 Shadow Walker, 2.52 Post No Bills, 3.27 Discko Des Plages, 4.02 Siroco Jo, 4.37 Halifax, 5.07 I Am Rocco.
LEOPARDSTOWN: 2.00 Samuel Pepys, 2.35 Dr Zempf, 3.10 Contarelli Chapel, 3.45 Bluegrass, 4.20 Play By The Rules, 4.55 Craft Irish, 5.25 Jazzy Dancer.
LINGFIELD: 1.55 Miss Sligo, 2.30 Elsals, 3.05 Dubai Lady, 3.40 Strong Power, 4.15 Menai Bridge, 4.50 Schwartz, 5.20 Jeremiah Johnson, 5.50 Dark Kris.
NEWBURY: 1.00 Surtitle, 1.35 Surrey Quest, 2.10 First Figaro, 2.45 Good Look Charm, 3.20 Doukarov, 3.55 Dorking Lad, 4.30 Boom Boom.
WOLVERHAMPTON: 5.30 Captain Kane, 6.00 Eshtora, 6.30 Cashel, 7.00 Fly To Glory, 7.30 Chase The Dollar, 8.00 Blissful Song, 8.30 Second Kingdom.
DOUBLE: Major Dundee and Elsals.