HAPPY AS BARRY

My Immortal can be National hero for Connell as trainer aims to plunder more glory

- GARRY OWEN

MY IMMORTAL (3.0) can go the distance for Barry Connell in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter today.

The trainer is a master at plundering big UK prizes and has an ideal contender for this marathon.

The 10-year-old was a cracking second to Nick Rockett on his second chase outing at Fairyhouse.

He made the most of another difficult job when third to Minella Cocooner over three miles in Navan. The gelding then showed real stamina when a game fourth to Where It All Began at Punchestown.

He then seemed to have his limitations exposed with a string of lacklustre efforts in big handicaps.

That saw the bay sent off a 40/1 chance for the Irish National Trial over 3m 4f back at Punchestown.

Totally revitalised by the longer trip, he surged to an easy five-length victory over Uncle Pat. The Irish raider wasn't stopping at the business end so can add this gruelling handicap to his CV.

BELOW THE RADAR (1.50) can give his rivals the slip in the JenningsBet Nationwide Hurdle.

Paul Nicholls' horse lost his way over 2m 4f after comfortably landing his first two timber starts.

The bay was quickly sent over fences by connections in an attempt to bring about a revival. However, he took an instant dislike to the larger obstacles when falling on debut at Taunton.