jumped slowly on occasions, made most until 8th, chased leader, slight lead again until jumped slowly and headed 10th, in front again when jumped slowly and headed 4 out, lost 2nd and weakened next
tracked leading pair until 12th, chased leaders, outpaced on long run before 3 out
mistake 1st, held up in rear, never a factor
waited with in 5th place, smooth headway on inside before 3 out, 2nd going well before 2 out, led 2 out, quickened clear before last, impressive
raced wide, with leader, led 8th, dived at next, headed briefly 10th, soon in front again, headed approaching 4 out, led again and went left 3 out, went left and headed 2 out, soon outpaced, jumped left last, no chance with winner
tracked leaders, led on inside 4 out, headed next, lost 2nd before 2 out, kept on same pace in 3rd
Malcolm Jefferson is not one to tilt at windmills and WAITING PATIENTLY (NAP) was a very easy winner on his reappearance at Carlisle. The fourth that day won at Catterick earlier this week and the third wasn’t beaten far in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day. A defeat of Politilogue last season is now looking top-class form and he looks the pick of the weights in this. Smad Place had God's Own behind when springing a surprise in the Old Roan over this trip at Aintree in October but is now 13lb worse off and probably better over further. Josses Hill was probably flattered by his proximity to Top Notch at Taunton but his yard has won this for the last two years. Ballybolley and Art Mauresque are decent handicappers but have a bit to find on the book.
Josses Hill (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) Led, soon pressed, hard driven when challenged after 4 out, headed before 2 out, stayed on well, 2nd of 4, 3 1/4l behind Top Notch (11-6) at Taunton 2m 6f (1) sft in Dec.
Smad Place (FR) 5-2jfav (11-7) Led until 9th, chased leader until 12th, chased leaders, lost 3rd after 3 out, weakened before next, 5th of 9, 27l behind Top Notch (11-4) at Ascot 2m 5f (1) gs in Nov.
Ballybolley (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) In rear, ridden 2 out, in 5th before last, no impression, 5th of 9, 10l behind Mustmeetalady (10-4) at Doncaster 3m hcp (2) gd in Dec.
Waiting Patiently (IRE) 4-5fav (11-8) Tracked leaders, hit 8th, went 2nd 5 out, poised to challenge going well after 3 out, led before last, driven out flat, won at Carlisle 2m 4f (1) gs in Nov beating Belami Des Pictons (11-2) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
Art Mauresque (FR) 20-1 (11-8) Held up in last pair, fell 1st, at Ascot 3m hcp (1) gd in Nov.
God's Own (IRE) 12-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders in 4th, close up on outside 4 out, ridden after next, soon one pace, no impression after, 6th of 12, 20 1/2l behind Smad Place (11-3) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp (1) gs in Oct.
