JESSICA SET FOR ASCOT LIGHT SHOW

MAGIC Of Light bids for a second successful raid on Britain this season in the OLBG.com Mares’ Hurdle at Ascot today.

It is only a month since Jessica Harrington’s charge last made the journey across the Irish Sea and it proved a profitable trip as she completely dominated her rivals in a Listed mares’ chase at Newbury.

She is now rated 150 over fences, whereas she was beaten 20 lengths off a mark of just 113 on her latest outing over the smaller obstacles at Gowran Park in September 2017.

However, Harrington (above right) is confident her charge can translate her excellent recent form back to hurdles in this weekend’s Grade Two contest.

‘She’s a different mare compared to when she last ran over hurdles — she’s come on a ton,’ said the Moone-based trainer.

‘She seems in very good form, we schooled her [over hurdles] during the week and she jumped great.

‘She was very impressive in Newbury last time and I’ve been very happy with her since.

‘We’re looking forward to running her.’

Magic Of Light is one of two Irish challengers in a six-strong line-up along with the Pat Collins-trained outsider Shimmer’s Rock.

Jester Jet (Tom Lacey), Culture De Sivola (Nick Williams), If You Say Run (Paul Nicholls) and Petticoat Tails (Warren Greatrex) make up the field.

There is also significant Irish interest in the The Matchbook Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle, with the Charles Byrnes-trained Thosedaysaregone at the head of the market as he attempts to follow up a comfortable win on his handicap debut at Wetherby last Saturday.

Like Magic Of Light, Thosedaysaregone will be ridden by Robbie Power in the £50,000 Grade Three handicap, that also features Ballymoy (Nigel TwistonDavies), Seddon (Tom George) and Better Getalong (Nicky Richards).

Connections of Benatar are hoping he can kick-start his season with victory in the bet365 Handicap Chase.

The Gary Moore-trained sevenyear-old will bid to open his account for the campaign in the £75,000 two-mile-five-furlong contest — for which he is the general 9-2 favourite — and score for the first time since landing a Grade Two over course and distance more than a year ago.

Owner Ashley Head said: ‘Gary has done a remarkable job to keep him in training.

‘We will see how he is, but he should have a good chance at Ascot on Saturday.’