Champion Nicholls in Kelso raid

Paul Nichol ls raided Musselburgh last weekend and he’s back in Scotland this week to raid Kelso.

The handler could run Fighting Fifth winner Irving and Adrien Du Pont in the Morebattle Hurdle while Saphir Du Rheu and Vivaldi Collonges are entered for the Ivan Straker Memorial Chase.

Nicholls, though, won’t get it all his own way. Sceau Royale is a fascinating Morebattle entry for Alan King along with Malcolm Jefferson’s Cyrus Darius.

Last year’s runner-up One For Harry may be in the line-up again having been put into the field by Nicky Richards.

Former winners of the Ivan Straker include Long Run, the only Cheltenham Gold Cup winner to race in Scotland.

Ayr stages Valentine’s Day Raceday on Tuesday with six races off at 2.20.

Feature race is the Scobie’s of Ayr Handicap Chase at 4.20 with dual-course winner Special Catch likely to represent Jefferson and top jockey Brian Hughes.

Earlier, David Pipe sends Stay Out Of Court on the long trek from his Somerset base for the handicap hurdle at 3.20.

The first running of the Edinburgh National went to Dancing Shadow, a first- ever runner at Musselburgh for Devon trainer Victor Dartnall.

The strong-staying gelding is now likely to return north for the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April.