Big Chance
ALAN KING loves to have a winner in his homeland and he can grab his second Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr today with the lightly raced NOTACHANCE (3.35, nap).
Winner of one of five hurdles races, the seven-year-old has taken his form to a different level over fences with three wins from seven starts including a double at the start of the season.
He was then sent to Haydock for the William Hill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase last time out but was pulled up after suffering a leg injury.
Given a spell on the sidelines by the Barbury Castle handler, the youngster will get his preferred spring ground today and a handicap mark of 146 may still underestimate his talents.
Of his rivals, Ladbrokes Trophy second and fourth, Aye Right and The Hollow Ginge, should relish the return to good ground, while I
couldn’t put you off the progressive Chapel Stile if he jumps well.
THYME WHITE (2.25) hasn’t got home on stiffer tracks in the top handicap hurdles this season but everything looks in his favour in the Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle.
Paul Nicholls’ charge was too keen to see out the job in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival but there is set to be loads of pace on here so he can tuck in before delivering his challenge late on.
At Newbury, TROLL PENINSULA (3.20) is highly rated by Roger Varian
and he can make it two from two this season by slaying his more experienced rivals in the Spring Cup.
We may not see a genuine 2000 Guineas hope in the feature Greenham Stakes but RHYTHM MASTER (2.45) could still prove the value bet here.
Richard Fahey’s charge was a huge disappointment in the Mill Reef Stakes at the track last year.
But he is reported in flying form at home and as long as the ground doesn’t become too quick, he could surprise Chindit and Alkumait.