took keen hold, led 2nd, headed 11th, ridden 4 out, mistake last, no impression flat
led until 2nd, tracked leader, pushed along and not travelling from 5th, lost 2nd 10th, getting behind from 12th, well beaten from 4 out
tracked leaders, closed 10th, led next, asserting 2 out, clear flat, driven out
LASTBUTNOTLEAST is not favoured by the weights and was out on her feet when beating a previous winner in a three-runner race at Haydock last month but her strike-rate under Rules speaks for itself. She won over 3m over hurdles last season and has also scored between the flags so the step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem and she has more scope than Antartica De Thaix, who looked to be struggling when falling at Wincanton earlier this month and may struggle to last home on the ground. Got Away had useful form in France but fell on her first start for Oliver Sherwood at Newbury and may need more time.
Antartica De Thaix (FR) Evensfav (11-12) Led, joined 5 out, headed narrowly before 3 out, every chance when fell 2 out, at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (2) hvy in Jan.
Lastbutnotleast (IRE) 2-1 (10-6) 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, won at Haydock 2m 3f (3) hvy in Dec beating Jonniesofa (11-4) by 36l, 3 ran.
Got Away (FR) 8-1 (11-3) Held up in 4th, closer tracking leading pair 4th, fell 8th, at Newbury 2m hcp (3) hvy in Dec.