There should be good finish in prospect in the opener, in which Bramlynn Brook is taken to just get the better of Willie John Daly, with Larssarto bets of the rest. Up and coming Sam Thomas is able to claim a valuable five pounds on board Bramlynn Brook, and that may sway things in favour of Venetia Williams' charge here. An all-the-way bumper winner here in November, the six-year-old made a winning start over hurdles at Towcester later that month and then made Oysterhaven pull out all the stops at Fontwell in December, giving nearly a stone to the winner. The step up in trip will suit, and Bramlynn Brook should go close. His main rival, Willie John Daly, claimed the scalp of the highly-rated Mitchelstown in an Irish bumper before opening his account at Fontwell recently. He slogged through the mud that day and looks a thorough stayer. He will relish conditions as well and will not go down without a fight. German raider Larssarto was a prolific winner on the Flat but was turned over when fancied at Wetherby, and there has to be a doubt about his ability to stay in the ground. Maitre Levy was highly tried in Germany, contesting Group and Listed races, and without being up to the task, might be one to follow now that he has joined Martin Pipe. However, in a race that should concern the top two, Bramlynn Brook is the selection.
