chased leaders, slow 3rd, took closer order 5 out, went 2nd after next, staying on when hampered and left in lead last, kept on well
led, hard driven before 3 out, mistake next, under pressure when fell last
held up in touch, chased leaders after 4 out, went 3rd next, not fluent 2 out, left in 2nd last, never a threat
chased leaders, progress 5 out, under pressure after next, weakening when left in 3rd last
tracked leader, blundered 9th, under pressure after 4 out, soon lost place, left in 4th last, stayed on closing stages
MIDNIGHT QUEEN has improved for the fitting of a visor and can record a second win over hurdles having travelled a long way for this. Taunton third Telson Barley is gradually getting there and further improvement is expected on this slightly quicker surface. Oliver's Island got off the mark when unfancied at Uttoxeter at the end of December but that was soft going and Sean Conway’s charge, 5lb higher now, may not be as effective on today’s ground.
Telson Barley (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leaders next, stayed on into 3rd after last, not pace to challenge, 3rd of 16, 9 1/4l behind Silver Quay (11-2) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp (5) gs in Jan.
Midnight Queen 8-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, lost place after 5th, outpaced after 3 out, ridden and stayed on to take well held 3rd flat, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 9, 9 1/2l behind Inchcolm (11-12) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (5) gd in Jan.
Hero's Story 33-1 (11-4) Always behind, weakened before 3 out, tailed off, last of 12, dist behind Bingo D'Olivate (11-3) at Ayr 2m 3f hcp (5) hvy in Nov.
Oliver's Island (IRE) 20-1 (10-4) In touch on outside, closed 5th, led before 3 out, clear next, reduced lead final 75 yards, ridden out, won at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (5) sft in Dec beating Costante Via (11-11) by 1 1/4l, 15 ran.
Millrose Bell (IRE) 25-1 (10-0) Held up in 6th place, pushed along and no impression when left in modest 3rd 2 out, 3rd of 8, 24l behind Emerald Chieftan (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp (5) gs in Jan.
