Jessica Harrington has been a shrewd placer of MAGIC OF LIGHT (NAP) raiding the UK and has identified another strong opportunity for her splendidly consistent mare, equally at home over fences and hurdles. Last year's Grand National runner-up sets the bar high and is hard to oppose on the back of victories at Newbury and in Group 2 company at Ascot. Alsa Mix rates her main opponent on the back of a solid run behind the progressive Annie Mc, whilst Atlanta Ablaze is back after wind surgery. Midnight Tune was pulled up last time in the Peter Marsh and ought to find this less daunting whilst The Bay Birch needs to improve on recent runs.
Atlanta Ablaze 10-3 (11-4) Chased leader until before 9th, last 12th, weakened 4 out, last of 4, dist behind Casablanca Mix (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f lst (1) gs in Dec.
Magic Of Light (IRE) 5-2 (11-6) Led to 6th, led after 7th, pushed along after 2 out, reminder flat, stayed on well, won at Ascot 3m (1) hvy in Jan beating Sensulano (11-0) by 4 3/4l, 6 ran.
Alsa Mix (FR) 13-8 (11-6) Led until approaching omitted 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Annie Mc (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 3f (4) sft in Jan.
Midnight Tune 13-2 (10-4) Made most until 12th, weakened 2 out, pulled up last, at Haydock 3m 2f hcp (1) hvy in Jan.
The Bay Birch (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Always last, behind 4 out, kept on flat, closing on 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, last of 3, 12 1/4l behind Maire Banrigh (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m 4f lst (1) sft in Jan.
