led, not fluent 9th, headed before 4 out, soon led again, headed 3 out, very tired and clambered over 2 out and last, held by winner flat and allowed to trot home
chased leaders, not fluent 1st, pushed along 4th, ridden and lost touch after 6th, mistake 7th, tailed off when jumped left and mistake 9th, refused last
pressed leader, not fluent 8th, led when jumped slowly and headed 4 out, led again 3 out, clambered over 2 out and last, came clear flat, very tired but game effort
Lastbutnotleast broke a blood vessel and was pulled up on his fencing bow at Carlisle but had jumped well up to that point. Shades Of Midnight was last of five at the same track but wasn’t beaten far, though the drop in trip may not suit Donald Whillans’ stayer. JONNIESOFA made all at Carlisle following an absence and the second has won since. If that hasn’t taken too much out of him, Rose Dobbin’s charge looks the one to beat with ground and track in his favour.
Jonniesofa (IRE) 11-4 (11-2) Made all, ridden 2 out, found extra when pressed flat, gamely, won at Carlisle 2m (3) hvy in Oct beating Nuts Well (11-2) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Shades Of Midnight 5-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders early, in rear and in touch, ridden and one pace from last, last of 5, 4 3/4l behind Brio Conti (11-2) at Carlisle 2m 4f (3) sft in Nov.
Lastbutnotleast (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) With winner, quickly pulled up before 10th, at Carlisle 2m 4f lst (1) sft in Dec.
