Looksnowtlikebrian can probably be forgiven his run in the Welsh National but 3m around here may be an insufficient test of stamina nowadays and he is still on a career-high mark. MORE BUCK’S was left clear over a shorter trip at Ludlow last time but would have won anyway. He’ll have no problem stepping back up to 3m around here and is probably worth following in his current mood, though Roc D'Apsis is capable of running well fresh and isn’t badly treated. Like The Sound won easily in a tongue-tie at Wincanton but is 9lb higher now while Salmanazar is tackling fences for the first time.
More Buck's (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Led, not fluent 13th, soon headed, led again before 4 out, ridden before 3 out, 2 lengths ahead when let well clear 2 out, mistake last, won at Ludlow 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jan beating Truckers Highway (11-0) by 15l, 5 ran.
Looksnowtlikebrian (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Towards rear, mistakes 5th and 6th, not fluent 7th, well beaten 17th, not fluent 5 out, pulled up after, at Chepstow 3m 5f hcp (1) sft in Dec.
Like The Sound (FR) 16-1 (10-9) Led until narrowly headed 7th, chased leader, led again 3 out, left well clear next, won at Wincanton 3m 3f hcp (3) gd in Jan beating Len Brennan (10-9) by 18l, 9 ran.
Duke Des Champs (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, mistake 12th, went 2nd 13th until mistake 2 out, weakened and lost 3rd towards finish, 4th of 11, 22l behind Achille (10-11) at Exeter 3m hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Quite By Chance 20-1 (10-9) Raced wide, always towards rear, behind 9th, tailed off, 8th of 10, dist behind Cyrname (11-10) at Ascot 2m 5f hcp (2) gs in Jan.
Roc D'Apsis (FR) 10-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, reminders before 14th, one pace in 5th from 3 out, no impression, 5th of 11, 21 1/2l behind Beeves (11-8) at Perth 3m hcp (2) gd in Jun.
Salmanazar 6-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase clear winner 3 out, no impression from next, 2nd of 7, 10l behind Knock House (11-4) at Bangor 2m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.
