led until 4 out, weakened 2 out
chased leader until 5th, not fluent 8th, switched left before 4 out, went 2nd again 3 out, edged right after 2 out, no impression on winner flat
chased leaders, outpaced from 13th, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before next
behind 3rd, not fluent 6th, slow and tailed off from 8th
chased leaders, went 2nd 5th, led 4 out, clear flat, stayed on well
Good ground suits The Last But One, who has been in fine form between the flags recently despite being kept busy. He may enjoy a fitness advantage over CHAMPAGNE WEST but Lilly Pinchin’s mount probably has the class to see this one out if he’s reasonably straight. Seefood would be a threat on his best form but has left Richard Newland since sixth at Stratford in August.
Champagne West (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) Mid-division, mistake 5th, no impression in moderate 5th from 3 out, never a factor, 5th of 8, dist behind Ballyoisin (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 5f gd in Jun.
The Last But One (IRE) 11-10 (11-7) Trckd wnr 8; ev ch 2 out; one pce, 2nd of 3, 3l behind Master Baker (11-7) at Buckfastleigh 3m sft in Feb.
Mantou (IRE) 25-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, weakened before 4 out, pulled up before 2 out, at Ludlow 3m (4) gd in Jan.
Irish Thistle (IRE) 9-1 (10-0) Allowed clear lead, reduced advantage 5th, hit and headed 11th, tracked winner, effort to challenge 4 out, soon ridden and one pace, weakened 2 out, last of 4, 23 1/4l behind Hoke Colburn (12-9) at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Seefood (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Mid-division, headway 5 out, chased leaders after next, ridden to challenge 2 out, no extra approaching last, 6th of 9, 10l behind Pawn Star (11-12) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Aug.
