tracked leading pair, went 2nd 10th, led next, jumped right final 4, clear 2 out, headed and no extra last 100 yards
raced wide, slight lead until 3rd, chased leader until 10th, outpaced next, no chance after, tailed off
tracked leader, led 3rd until 11th, chased leader, lost 2nd next, soon ridden and no extra in 3rd
held up in 4th, closer in 3rd 11th, 2nd going well 3 out, stumbled badly next, challenged on inside last, stayed on to lead final 100 yards, won going away
Nonrunner
LASTBUTNOTLEAST proved too good over timber for Happy Diva last term and is taken to confirm the form on her chasing debut. She is clearly held in high regard by the resurgent McCain team and can prove the point here with stamina no issue. However, this is hardly likely to be a simple task as Happy Diva not only has the benefit of a chasing run under her belt but has assured fitness on her side too. It could all come down to who fences with greatest aplomb. Ms Parfois cannot be discounted either after a pleasingly progressive hurdling campaign last term and Sainte Ladylime is also far better than her rather random form figures may suggest.
Happy Diva (IRE) 6-5fav (10-9) Close up, tracked winner 4th until ridden 3 out, rallied and every chance last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 5, 4l behind Jonniesofa (11-2) at Carlisle 2m (3) hvy in Oct.
Mirs Choice (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) Keen close up early, in touch 3rd, ridden 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 9, dist behind Redemption Song (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 5f mdn (4) gs in Nov.
Ms Parfois (IRE) 2-9fav (11-6) Sweating, edged left most of way, tracked leader, led approaching 2 out, pushed clear between last 2, easily, won at Fontwell 2m 6f (4) gs in Mar beating Postbridge (11-6) by 11l, 4 ran.
Sainte Ladylime (FR) 7-2 (11-12) Raced keenly, led until after 1st, chased leader until after 4th, challenging for 2nd when hit 8th, pushed along after 3 out, awkward and weakened next, went poor 4th run-in, 4th of 5, 28 1/2l behind Loves Destination (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Lastbutnotleast (IRE) 2-1 (10-12) Made all, ridden before 3 out, pressed from next, stayed on gamely, in command final 150 yards, won at Doncaster 3m lst (1) sft in Mar beating Happy Diva (10-12) by 3 1/4l, 5 ran.
