Go east! Alan King bids for Group victory on a rare trip to Musselburgh

1.45 Musselburghbet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle | Listed | 1m7½f | 4yo | RTV

Alan King, who was born and brought up in the west of Scotland and was a regular at Ayr in his youth, has just his second runner at Musselburgh on the east coast on Sunday.

The trainer is represented by Group Stage in this Listed juvenile hurdle, hoping for better than when Fidux finished fourth in the same race three years ago.

He is eyeing the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – formerly the Fred Winter – for the four-year-old, who is having his third run over hurdles to qualify for that race.

King said: "He didn't win on the Flat but showed plenty of ability and he's looked a likely sort for the Fred Winter ever since his winning start at Ludlow, where he really impressed with the way he finished the race.

"Although that was none too strong a race, he ran a solid fourth in a much stronger contest at Cheltenham last month, bang there until the final flight, and has been given a break since then.

"There should be more to come from him and he ought to build on what he's done so far over hurdles."

Big chance for Lil horse

Simon Munir and Isaac Souede took the last running of this race with We Have A Dream, who scored in Grade 1 company at Aintree next time, and may have another classy candidate on Sunday.

French bumper winner Goa Lil carried the owners' colours to victory at Kempton last month and is reckoned to have more improvement in him.

"He's top-rated so he must have a chance," said trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. "He's been progressing and I think he'll like the better ground so I'm hoping he'll run well.

Goa Lil: bids to follow up Kempton successCredit: Edward Whitaker

Thyme is right for champion trainer

Paul Nicholls has had two winners and a second in this race in the last seven years and is hoping for another big run from Thyme White.

His Triumph Hurdle entry, a Flat winner in France, retains the hood in which he finished second at Kempton in December last time out.

"He's had two runs and he's been improving," the trainer said. "He ran second at Sandown first time when he needed it and he was a little keen.

"He was much better at Kempton next time and he ran well. I think he's improved again and I'm hoping for a good run."

Stiff task for Irish newcomer

John McConnell is aiming high with hurdling debutant Anna Bunina, whom he bought for 52,000gns at Newmarket last October.

His runner won four times on the Flat and the County Meath trainer said: "We thought the small field and better ground would suit her. If she's going to be competing at a higher level she needs to run well.

"She's taken to it quite well at home so we're hoping for a nice run but it's quite a big ask."

Read The Lowdown from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post app for all the day's going updates, news and tips