Perfect start at Ayr for team looking for Adventure on Sunday

Brian Ellison warmed up for his bid to land Sunday's Coral Scottish Grand National by winning the opening-day feature 2m4f chase with Nietzsche.

The 6-1 shot came from last to first under Jonathan Burke, leading on the run-in for a neck defeat of Not That Fuisse – whose trainer Dan Skelton had won the last three runnings.

"That was great," Ellison said. "You can't be there too early, we said get there going to the last and he gave him a brilliant ride.

"Two and a half miles is his trip. He ran over three at Cheltenham because we didn't think he'd get in over two and a half. I think quicker ground will help him."

Ellison hopes there will be enough give in the ground for Eider Chase winner Sam's Adventure on Sunday.

"The softer the better for him," the trainer said "He's a good horse and he's in great form. He likes to get his toe in and I'd give him a massive chance if the ground is right."

Chester beckons

Stepney Causeway could switch to the Flat after completing a four-timer in the novice hurdle.

"We've got some entries for him and he's in at Chester," said trainer Dan Skelton. "He probably won't get in the Cup but may get in the consolation race.

"He'll also get an entry in the Swinton but if he doesn't run in that week in May then he'll be sent out into the field.

Stepney Causeway: 'I do think he can be a high-class handicapper'Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He's very progressive and likes decent ground and has to go left-handed. If he can have all those things then I do think he can be a high-class handicapper at least."

Harry Skelton further extended his lead in the title race by completing a double on stablemate I'd Better Go Now in the 3m handicap hurdle.

Sky high for Allwood

Second-season trainer Sam Allwood struck with his first runner at Ayr when progressive stayer Aquila Sky took the novice handicap hurdle under Alan Johns.

He has a 20-strong string in his yard in Shropshire and said: "We had Sheneededtherun who was fourth in the Midlands National last year but this is our biggest winner.

Aquila Sky gives Shropshire trainer Sam Allwood his biggest winnerCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"We were taking a punt going to a big meeting but we thought he was well handicapped and it's good it's paid off.

"We're delighted, he's really come to himself now he's stepped up in trip. We've had to run him over shorter just to teach him to race properly, he'd been far too keen. He's taken a bit of time but it's all paid off. He'll go out in a field now and he'll go over fences next season."

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