Verdict

Findusatgorcombe has won his last two here but is now on a career-high mark and heavy ground may not be ideal. He also has little in hand over Dancing Shadow on the form book. Muckamore lacks experience but Hold That Taught has placed at Lingfield and Ascot while Mr Clarkson still had every chance when unseating his rider at Taunton last month. Looksnowtlikebrian has made the frame the last twice but is basically in the handicapper’s grip. ASK ME EARLY wasn’t foot-perfect in a novices’ handicap at Chepstow but made all and found plenty when challenged up the home straight. A 6lb rise doesn’t look excessive given his potential for improvement.

Formwatch

Looksnowtlikebrian (IRE) 5-1 (11-9) Held up in touch, pushed along before 4 out, soon outpaced, went poor 2nd last, 2nd of 7, 14l behind Irish Prophecy (11-12) at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Nov.

Mr Clarkson (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Prominent, upped tempo and led far side final circuit, led 3 out, led and every chance when knuckled on landing and unseated rider 2 out, at Taunton 2m 7f hcp (3) gs in Dec.

Breaking Waves (IRE) 6-1 (11-8) Pressed leader, led 13th, headed before 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 6, dist behind Nearly Perfect (10-13) at Wetherby 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Ask Me Early (IRE) 9-4fav (10-10) Made all, led narrowly, not fluent 4th, pressed and ridden along 3 out and 2 out (usually 4 out and 3 out), led narrowly last (usually 2 out), kept on gamely when driven out run-in, won at Chepstow 3m hcp (3) hvy in Dec beating Lord Napier (11-6) by 5 1/2l, 7 ran.

Hold That Taught 4-1 (10-11) Held up on outside, improved before 15th, not fluent 16th, held in 4th when switched right after 2 out, went 3rd last, one pace, 3rd of 7, 8 3/4l behind Demachine (11-6) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov.

Dancing Shadow (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Led, headed 3rd, led 7th, narrow advantage turning for home, ridden before 3 out, headed before 2 out, kept on from last, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Findusatgorcombe (10-0) at Exeter 3m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Muckamore (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Prominent, hit 4 out and soon pushed, ridden before 3 out, weakened late on, 6th of 8, 24 1/2l behind Ballyhome (11-8) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Nov.

Findusatgorcombe 16-1 (10-0) Tracked leader, led 3rd, headed narrowly 7th, close up when ridden before 4 out, led approaching 2 out, headed before last, stayed on strongly under pressure to lead final strides, won at Exeter 3m 7f hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Dawson City (11-9) by hd, 11 ran.