Lastbutnotleast can claim Listed gold at Leicester

Racing: Eight-year-old has ideal chance to continue on upward curve

LASTBUTNOTLEAST can claim Listed gold in the Charnwood Forest Mares’ Chase at Leicester.

Donald Mccain has always spoken of the eight-year-old in the highest terms but, after breaking a blood vessel and pulling up on her first start over fences at Carlisle in November, she had something to prove at Haydock last time.

However, she showed no ill effects from that experience as she accounted for another well-regarded type in Jonniesofa with the minimum of fuss.

She can continue on an upward curve here.

Warren Greatrex should be among the winners with DON DES FOSSES

in the Croxton Park Novices’ Hurdle.

Dan Skelton’s OPTIMUS PRIME

looks to have the Dick Christian Novices’ Chase at his mercy.

MIDNIGHT MALIBU can follow up a recent course win at Southwell in the valuable Betway Sprint.

Tim Easterby’s five-year-old mare scraped home by a neck on New Year’s Day in what looked a decent race for the grade.

The handicapper has only put her up 2lb.

Given those who finished behind her have hardly advertised the form since, that looks fair enough.

However, that was her second start on the Fibresand and her second win and she always looked like getting on top close home.

She is obviously right at home on the unique surface and this place lends itself to specialists.

IGNACIO ZULOAGA caught the eye running on into second last week and he can now go one better in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap.

Having just the fourth run of his life, he was outpaced at halfway before staying on strongly.

The winner had flown but it was a real sign that the penny is starting to drop with him.

GOING NATIVE ran with credit here earlier in the month and should do so again in the 32Red Maiden Handicap.

Quickly to the lead, she was swamped on either side a furlong out but kept at it to snatch third.

The handicapper has left her alone and Ed Walker has booked the useful Jason Watson to take 7lb off.