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Chesterfield returns to Ayr for Scottish Champion Hurdle

John Constable ridden by Conor Ring (left) falls behind Chesterfield
Image: John Constable ridden by Conor Ring (left) falls behind Chesterfield

Chesterfield will try to emulate the great Sea Pigeon when he bids to repeat his victory last year in the QTS Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr on Saturday.

The legendary Peter Easterby-trained performer recorded back-to-back victories in 1977-78, while the only other dual winner is Birds Nest, who was successful in 1979 and 1981.

Chesterfield runs off a 2lb lower mark than 12 months ago and returns to the west coast of Scotland following a creditable effort in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham when he was fourth to Mohaayed on ground much softer than he likes.

He would have gone to Aintree last Saturday for a handicap hurdle he won in 2017, but trainer Seamus Mullins pulled him out because of the rain-softened ground.

Mullins reports the eight-year-old in top form ahead of the defence of his Scottish crown.

"Probably the ground cost us a winning chance at Cheltenham, but he ran there with his heart on his sleeve and tried his best," said the Wiltshire handler.

"In the prevailing conditions I was very pleased with his run at Cheltenham.

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"I pulled him out of Aintree last week once the ground had deteriorated. I did it soon as I could as he was favourite for that race.

"I think he'll run another big race. Winning the Scottish Champion two years running hasn't been done since Sea Pigeon. We're here trying."

Ch'tibello is another past winner in the line-up, having been successful in 2016, but trainer Dan Skelton feels the burden of 11st 10lb might be too much.

"Obviously he won it two years but he's got top weight this year, which will make it difficult," said the Alcester handler.

"He's come out of Cheltenham fine. I'm happy on that regard, but I wish he wasn't carrying top weight."

A Hare Breath was eighth in the County Hurdle, won by the Skelton-trained Mohaayed, in what was his first run since landing a Listed handicap at Sandown in December.

Trainer Ben Pauling said: "He's come out of the race at Cheltenham well. The ground was against him but he ran very well.

"He goes there in good order, he should enjoy the ground and it will be interesting to see how he gets in."

Beyond The Clouds goes into decent handicap company after taking performances that have seen him win all his three races over jumps.

"He's in great order. He's so straightforward," said Ryan's son and assistant, Adam.

"We're not used to these jumpers but he's been a pleasure to train.

"He's done everything we've asked of him. I think he's ready for this step up in grade and we'll find out where we are with him."

Alan King is hoping conditions continue to dry out for The Unit, who switches back to the smaller obstacles after finishing second in the Grade Two Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton in February on his latest start.

"Any improvement in the ground would also suit The Unit in the Scottish Champion Hurdle," the Barbury Castle trainer told www.alankingracing.co.uk.

"It's too late in the season to be losing your novice status over fences, so he is switching back to the smaller obstacles and he's a decent hurdler - he finished third in a Grade One at Aintree last season."

Nicky Henderson is triple-handed with Claimantakinforgan, Verdana Blue and Charli Parcs as the champion trainer bids to end a long gap to his only winner of this race, River Ceiriog in 1986.

Last Saturday's Grand National heroes Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell team up with the only Irish-trained contender in the field, Brelade.

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