SONSIE MO, who returned to his best to spring a 20 to 1 surprise at Sedgefield last time, can follow - up albeit at shorter odds - in the Wilfred and Patricia Crawford Memorial Handicap Chase at Kelso today.
Sue Bradburne's 11-year-old was allowed to start at such generous odds owing to a loss of form which saw him without a win last term.
Two seasons ago he had been a useful and reliable performer, winning three times over fences including over course and distance. But the 1994-95 campaign saw a dip in his fortunes and he looked in for another uninspiring season when a tailed-off last of seven at Ayr en his reappearance, passing the line a distance in arrears of the sixth, Beaucadeau.
That dismal effort was obviously at the forefront of bookmakers' minds when they chalked up the price for Sonsie, Mo in the Hardwick Arms Handicap Chase at Sedgefield.
Never far from the lead, Sonsie Mo was sent to the front by Brian Storey with four fences of the contest remaining and stayed on well during the closing stages to beat Flash Of Realm by 10 lengths.
Flash Of Realm is 6lb better off at the weights but that may not be enough to prevent Sonsie Mo - partnered today by Tim Reed - from winning again.
Marco Magnifico should make the most of bottom weight in the Middlemas Tavern Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old has just 10st to carry - in fact he is 1lb out of the handicap - and a reproduction of the form he showed on his latest start would see him go very close.
Again at the bottom of the weights for a handicap hurdle, at Catterick, he took up the running two flights from home and strolled seven lengths clear of Master Of The House.
That was a poor contest but there was nothing wrong with the style of Marco Magnifico's victory, and, with the talented Gary Cahill in the saddle, is taken, to prove too strong for his rivals here.
Mary Reveley's Seven Towers should be able to complete a hat-trick of wins in the opening Bet With The Tote Novices' Chase (Qualifier), after victories at Newcastle and Cheltenham.
