Midnight tour has been raised 11lb for a facile victory on her handicap debut at Hereford and this is a step-up in class. FAVORITE GIRL had been in very good form on the Flat before an excellent run in this grade at Ascot. She could be good enough for this though Bella was a shock winner of this last year and has been racing over further. Late Night Lily has been in top form in maidens and novice company and makes her handicap debut while Midtech Valentine has won four times since March and deserves a crack at this higher level. Mo Chailin has been beaten at a lower level since landing a novice hurdle at Catterick and Poppinng Along was well beaten when tackling this company at Wincanton last time.
Midnight Tour 11-10fav (11-11) Held up, in touch, led before 2 out, soon clear, won at Hereford 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Legend Lady (11-3) by 11l, 6 ran.
Favorite Girl (GER) 14-1 (10-3) Led and soon clear, narrowly headed but every chance carried right run-in, no extra close home, 2nd of 8, nk behind Eddiemaurice (10-3) at Ascot 2m hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Bella (FR) 4-1 (11-12) Led, headed before 3rd, led again before 2 out, ridden and headed last, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Graceful Legend (11-7) at Towcester 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Late Night Lily 11-8fav (11-5) Held up in rear, took keen hold, took closer order before 4 out, not clear run after next, every chance 2 out, soon led, hard ridden closing stages, stayed on well, won at Huntingdon 2m 4f (4) gd in Oct beating Voice Control (10-12) by 2l, 7 ran.
Midtech Valentine 4-1 (10-8) Tracked leader, led 2 out, clear when went left last, driven and pressed run-in, stayed on gamely and asserted last 100 yards, won at Kempton 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Un Prophete (10-1) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Mo Chailin (IRE) 13-2 (11-10) Held up towards rear, headway before 5th, led 2 out, headed last, kept on, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Ten Trees (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Nov.
Popping Along 16-1 (10-13) Raced keenly, held up in 4th, dropped to rear at 3rd, headway on outside 8th, well held 3rd approaching 2 out, never any chance, lost poor 3rd close home, 4th of 5, dist behind On Demand (10-2) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (2) gd in Nov.
