Ballabriggs shows his class at Ayr

Leading Grand National hope Ballabriggs continued his effective stint over timber with success in the victorchandler.com "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle at Ayr yesterday.

Donald McCain's Kim Muir winner has the Aintree spectacular as his primary objective but is two from two over the smaller obstacles after this impressive display.

The ten-year-old was sent off at 11-10 for this two-and-a-half-mile contest. Jason Maguire's mount cruised to the lead in the home straight and pulled clear from the final flight to record a five-length success over Yes Tom.

His owner Trevor Hemmings tasted National success with Hedgehunter in 2005 and Ballabriggs is now the 16-1 clear favourite from 20-1 with Paddy Power for the Merseyside marathon.

Hemmings' racing manager Mick Meagher said: "It was a lovely performance and he jumped great, so I couldn't be happier. He'll probably go for the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster (5 March) or a race at Kelso on the same day next. "

Darna followed up last month's course-and-distance success with a smart effort in the Bet Live At victorchandler.com Novices' Hurdle. The 2-1 favourite was always well to the fore under Campbell Gillies and won by two-and-a-quarter lengths. His trainer Willie Amos said: "He's been working well since his last run. He's just a lovely horse. He loves to gallop, loves to work and loves to jump. He lands galloping at every hurdle and is so professional."

The Nicky Richards-trained Premier Sagas opened his account over fences at the fourth attempt in the novices' chase. Catch Bob appeared to be travelling at least as well rounding the turn for home, but 5-4 market leader Premier Sagas had his measure jumping the second last and stayed on well to beat Benny Be Good by four and a half lengths under Brian Harding.

Harding went on to complete a quickfire double as he guided Pauline Robson's 11-2 chance Festival King to an all-the-way win in the Play Casino At victorchandler.com Handicap Chase.

Teenage Idol (7-1) rewarded some strong market support with a runaway victory Watch Live Racing At victorchandler.com Handicap Hurdle. Evelyn Slack's charge rewarded those who had taken the double-figure odds available in the morning with a nine-length triumph under Ryan Mania. Mania made it a double aboard Anychancedave (3-1) in the closing bumper.