Major chance for National honours
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 topweight.
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.