Verdict
MIDNIGHT CHASE can bounce back from a stinker on chasing debut to see off Arctic Echo and Tokpela. Punters will need to erase a lamentable chasing debut from their minds to back Neil Mulholland's charge but he was a sound hurdler and this race looks far easier than his opening engagement over the chase fences. Arctic Echo has winning form with soft ground obtaining though is more than capable on genuinely good going. Tokpela has won five points in Britain having campaigned largely in Hunter events when tried under rules. Maktu is an out and out stayer who should not be inconvenienced by a slog in the mud. Sullomo was taking on the likes of Fair Along over hurdles last term and while the absence of a year is a worry, Charlie Mann is more than capable of having them ready first time out. Vamizi was capable of the odd error over hurdles so hopefully will give the fences a little more respect. Midnight Chase is the pick despite the obvious issues with regard to his latest effort.
Formwatch
Arctic Echo 7-2 (11-4) Held up in touch, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 8, 28l behind Sheshali (11-6) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-135 (5) gd in Jun.
Gaining Ground (IRE) 8-1 (12-0) (cp) hdwy 10; rdn 4 out; sn outpcd, 5th of 12, 24l behind Range Rover (12-0) at Woodford 3m ptp in Apr '08.
Maktu 14-1 (11-6) Mid-division, raced keenly, badly hampered 6th, bumped after 9th, soon ridden, one pace from 2 out, 4th of 15, 7l behind Snake Charmer (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-150 (2) gs in Mar.
Midnight Chase 3-1 (11-2) Held up in 4th, mistakes 4th and 10th, outpaced 3 out, mistake and weakened 2 out, left 3rd last, 3rd of 6, 34l behind Busker Royal (11-2) at Fakenham 2m 5f noc chs (3) gf in Oct.
Moorlands Return 7-2 (12-0) Made all; drvn out, won at Upcott Cross 3m ptp gd in May beating Flying Schuttle (12-0) by 8l, 4 ran.
Sullumo (GER) 6-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 3 out, driven and one pace from last, 3rd of 15, 5l behind Fair Along (10-13) at Cheltenham 3m 1f Listed hcp hdl (1) sft in Nov '08.
Tokpela (IRE) 5-4 (12-12) Made all; unchall, won at Erw Lon 3m ptp in Feb deadheating with Balearic Star (12-0), 6 ran.
Vamizi (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Prominent and jumped left 1st, led after 7th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 16, 9l behind Bensalem (10-12) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov '08.
