led, headed 4 out, regained lead approaching 3 out, clear approaching last, eased run-in
tracked winner, led 4 out, headed approaching 3 out, weakening in 3rd when fell last
tracked leaders, not fluent 6th, pushed along approaching 4 out, ridden to chase clear winner approaching last, lost 2nd run-in
tracked leaders, reminders and behind from 11th, outpaced from 4 out, left poor 3rd last, took 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
A strong race for the grade and preference is for MIDNIGHT CHASE ahead of Ballylanigan and Currahee. Neil Mullholland's gelding jumped like a buck when winning at Cheltenham in April and was far from disgraced on softer ground at Uttoxeter on his next start. This 137-rated gelding will appreciate the drop back from handicap company and comes out on top on the adjusted ratings here. His main danger will be Ballylanigan who was a Kilbeggan winner when seen earlier in the month. He seemed to relish the return to fences on that occasion (having not looked a natural before) and with the ground in his favour he looks sure to go well for AP McCoy. Currahee is a fair hurdler but he has a little to find with the big two as he tackles fences for the first time. He's not really bred for the job and is taken on fairly readily. Justnothatsimple was in mixed form when last seen in Irish Hunter Chases last year and looks the clear stable second string, whilst Political Pendant is rated a poor 80 and is passed over with ease.
Midnight Chase 7-1 (10-13) Close up,outpaced approaching 3 out, rallied after 2 out, kept on and no impression, 4th of 12, 12l behind Auroras Encore (11-1) at Uttoxeter 3m list hcp ch (1) sft.
Ballylanigan (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Always prominent, moderate 4th before 3 out, left close up from next, soon led and went clear, stayed on well, won at Kilbeggan 2m 6f beg chs gf beating The Tartan Army (11-5) by 11l, 13 ran.
Currahee 11-1 (10-8) Chased leaders until jumped slowly 6th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 10, 27l behind Hearthstead Dream (11-2) at Perth 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf.
Political Pendant 7-1 (10-6) In rear when fell 2nd, in a race won by Lindseyfield Lodge (10-13) at Kelso 2m 6f sll hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd, 14 ran.
Justnotthatsimple (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Bad mistake and unseated rider 3rd, in a race won by Truckers Hall (11-7) at Tramore 2m 6f hts chs gd in Apr '09, 14 ran.
