Scooter McGavin and Cullen Chartier marked 220 to lead the first round scores of the $15,000 Novice in the opening day of the 6666 Ranch NCHA Eastern National Championships in Jackson, Miss. on March 7. The show runs through March 19.

Thirty horses scored 215.5 or better to advance to the March 9 finals in the $15,000 Novice.

Scooter McGavin, a 7-year-old gelding by Smart Lil Scoot out of Natalie Rey, was bred by Wayne and Jody Robinson and is owned by Tom and Hilary Watson of Westwood, Kansas.

He won the Mercuria NCHA World Series of Cutting at the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo last month and has earned more than $84,000 in his career.

Ichi Sangria, by Cat Ichi, ridden by Guy Woods for EE Ranches, marked 219.5 for the second high score of the go-round at Jackson.

Three horses marked 219 for the next highest score in the qualifying round. They were Cat Black I (Smooth As A Cat), ridden by Randy Chartier for Charlie and Denise Seiz; Seal Team 6 (High Brow Cat), ridden by Gabe Reynolds for Tammy Devore; and Dancinundertheboon (Boonlight Dancer), ridden by Walt Erwin for Mark Senn.

Tuesday, March 8 will see the first round of the $5,000 Novice class.