Grand National second Magic Of Light out to shine again in Listed mares' feature

1.55 Newbury
Thoroughbred Breeders Association Mares' Chase | Listed | 2m7½f | 4yo+ | RTV

Last season's Grand National second Magic Of Light has been found the perfect opportunity to get her head back in front in this mares' feature which has attracted just four runners.

Jessica Harrington's star returns in a bid to replicate her success of a year ago where she accounted for the reopposing Drinks Interval by 14 lengths.

Magic Of Light, who was a 66-1 shot when chasing home Tiger Roll at Aintree, warmed up for a return to fences when third on her seasonal reappearance in a Navan Grade 2 hurdle last month.

Although she has a 4lb penalty to carry, Magic Of Light has plenty in hand in terms of official ratings over her three rivals headed by Graceful Legend.

Harrington said: "She looks well treated at the weights. She's been in great form since her run over hurdles last month and we're hoping she can repeat her win of 12 months ago.

"There's a great programme of mares' races, over fences and hurdles, so she will have plenty of options between now and another tilt at the Grand National."

Closest on ratings to the favourite with a mark of 135, Graceful Legend warmed up for this event when landing a 3m handicap chase at Bangor last month.

Trainer Ben Case said: "Magic Of Light will probably have to fall over if we're to win but these mares' races are important and black-type invaluable if we can get some. Graceful Legend earned her chance when winning nicely at Bangor last time and the softer the better for her."

Drinks Interval, who represents Colin Tizzard and was adrift of Magic Of Light in this a year ago, ran arguably her best race since when second in a mares' handicap hurdle at Ascot in November.

Tizzard said: "Drinks Interval was back to something like her best last time and this looks the right race for her. Obviously the favourite will be hard to beat but if she puts in a clear round she'll finish in the first four!"

Field Exhibition: connections are targeting some black type with the nine-year-oldCredit: Grossick Racing

Just a 1lb higher is the Grace Harris-trained Field Exhibition, who is firmly on a mission for black type.

The nine-year-old has risen a remarkable 30lb in the weights in 12 months and has been in good form this winter, winning at Hereford before finishing second at Worcester, both times over fences.

Harris said: "Getting some black-type for Field Exhibition would be remarkable as this time last year she was running in claimers. Obviously there's a standout horse in there but with only four runners, we'd be hopeful of doing just that."

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