led, not fluent 6th, headed next, led again narrowly before 3 out, driven clear last, comfortably
chased leaders, 2nd after 4th, led 7th, headed narrowly 3 out, no impression on winner last
in touch in last, not fluent 8th, ridden and no impression 3 out, went narrow 3rd from last
chased winner until after 4th, pushed along 4 out, one pace and no impression 2 out, lost narrow 3rd from last
THE LAST BUT ONE had every chance when falling two out in pursuit of a hat-trick at Sandown. He’ll be fancied to make amends and give his trainer and jockey a quick double if all went to plan in the first. Norse Light’s latest win at Market Rasen came over hurdles but he has won over the larger obstacles, though his 8lb higher and 3lb out of the handicap. Broughtons Rhythm can improve on his third at Taunton but may need some help from the handicapper. Samson is making his fencing bow but isn’t badly treated on his hurdles form if his jumping is up to scratch.
The Last But One (IRE) 2-1jfav (10-4) Led, bumped 1st, soon headed, tracked leader, mistake 3 out, every chance when fell next, at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Mar.
Broughtons Rhythm 11-2 (11-2) Held up, headway 10th, chased leaders next, held when left in 3rd at last, 3rd of 7, 14 1/2l behind Vocaliser (11-1) at Taunton 2m 2f hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Samson 11-1 (11-9) Always towards rear, 11th of 15, dist behind Knocknamona (10-0) at Leicester 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Norse Light 7-1 (11-8) Held up mid-division, headway before 2 out, every challenged before last, ridden run-in, soon led, kept on, won at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (5) gs in Mar beating Scented Lily (12-0) by 1l, 13 ran.
