keen early, not fluent 1st, chased winner next, well held from 10th
made all, clear from 10th, not fluent 2 out, very easily
chased winner until 2nd, raced in last after, pushed along after 10th, weakened 2 out
NonRunner
Stowaway Magic was just denied when odds-on for what looked a decent contest at Carlisle a week ago but that was the third time in a row that he’d finished second over the larger obstacles. Former stable companion THOMAS CAMPBELL won four times over hurdles, three times at Cheltenham. He was highly tried in the second half of last season and could be an exciting recruit to the chasing ranks. Sussex Road usually complete but, like Midnight Owle, looks outclassed.
Midnight Owle 66-1 (10-0) Close up on outer, lost place quickly after 7th, tailed off after next, soon pulled up, at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Stowaway Magic (IRE) 5-6fav (11-2) Jumped well, with leader, led 8th, joined last, headed and no extra close home, 2nd of 5, nk behind Delire D'Estruval (11-2) at Carlisle 2m (3) gd in Oct.
Sussex Road (IRE) 66-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, pushed along 11th, weakened 5 out, left in modest 3rd last, 3rd of 6, dist behind Absolutely Dylan (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m 3f (4) gd in Oct.
Thomas Campbell 16-1 (11-7) Held up in touch on outside after 1st, ridden and lost place after 9th, well beaten from next, pulled up before 3 out, at Aintree 3m 1f (1) sft in Apr.
