SLEEP IN FIRST finally came good over track and trip nine days ago when Morning Time was almost 10 lengths away in fourth. He has a penalty to overcome in this but only Avanos of the others has managed a recent win and that was last July and over hurdles. Pistol Basc was only beaten a length over 2m4f here last time, however, while Richo has hinted at ability though is often let down by his jumping and finds little off the bridle. Prince Tam has won four times over fences but never away from Newcastle.
Sleep In First (FR) 7-4fav (10-7) Prominent, ridden 2 out, headway to lead approaching last, hit last, ran on, won at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs beating Overlaw (11-5) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Prince Tam 16-1 (9-10) Tracked leaders on outside, lost place 8th, weakened before 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 8, well behind Sacre Toi (11-2) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft.
Avanos (FR) 10-1 (10-12) In rear when blundered and unseated rider 3rd, in a race won by Cara Court (9-10) at Catterick 2m 3f ldys hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs in Feb, 15 ran.
Pistol Basc (FR) 4-1 (11-4) Tracked leader 2nd, led 9th, clear 3 out, ridden next, headed last, edged left and lost 2nd post, 3rd of 5, 1l behind Milan Royale (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gs.
Richo 6-1 (9-9) Not fluent in rear, mistake 5th, headway 8th, no extra from 4 out, 5th of 8, 21l behind Milgen Bay (11-12) at Leicester 2m hcp ch 0-110 (4) gs in Feb.
Morning Time (IRE) 4-1 (10-4) In rear, ridden 4 out, headway approaching last, kept on, 4th of 7, 10l behind Sleep In First (10-7) at Sedgefield 2m hcp chs 0-100 (5) gs.
