NEW LITTLE BRIC is the selection ahead of King Barry and Cresswell Willow. Paul Nicholls charge had lost his way badly last term but as a consequence, the handicapper has had a chance to take stock and drop his handicap mark accordingly. He produced a fair reappearance at Newbury before tiring close home and with an extra 2lb deducted by the assessor since, he has a realistic chance of giving weight all around on this occasion. King Barry has it to prove going this way round. He is progressive enough to be a factor but the majority of his better efforts have obtained on left handed tracks. Cresswell Willow has won two recent races at Ludlow. Traditionally held up, this track suits front runners so he will need more than just a little bit of luck. Out The Black is a regular in high quality chases around here. He still looks to have plenty of weight for what he has achieved. Presenting Express has a light racing weight though questions to answer after a below par run at Ludlow behind Creswell Willow. Briery Fox hasn't won since 2006 though has placed in four of his last six outings. Without A Doubt is sure to be up there early doors and while he is another who struggles to trouble the judge, he does show his better form at this venue. Antonius Caesar steps up in grade having campaigned at a number of the Northern circuits. Thunder Rock is likely to be popular with Tony McCoy aboard. The rider will certainly be earning his riding fee if Jonjo O'Neill's representative exhibits his usual recalcitrance. Plenty with points to prove and New Little Bric is our tentative selection.
New Little Bric (FR) 9-1 (11-9) Mid-division, headway 8th, soon disputing 3rd, every chance when hit 4 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 5th of 13, 16l behind Classic Fiddle (10-12) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Nov.
Out The Black (IRE) 12-1 (10-0) Mid-division, mistake 14th, headway next, ridden to chase winner after 3 out until approaching last, kept on same pace, 4th of 14, 6l behind Niche Market (9-9) at Ascot 3m lst hcp chs (1) gs in Dec.
Without A Doubt 14-1 (11-2) Mid-division, in touch when blundered 14th, under pressure and weakened after 4 out, well behind when blundered 2 out, 9th of 16, well behind Kilbeggan Blade (11-7) at Sandown 3m 5f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Dec.
Thunder Rock (IRE) 11-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, mistake when weakening 3 out, 8th of 10, 16l behind Brenin Cwmtudu (10-2) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Briery Fox (IRE) 11-2 (11-5) In rear, well behind and no chance when blundered 13th, 7th of 14, 27l behind Alright Now M'Lad (11-5) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Nov.
Cresswell Willow (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Held up, smooth headway after 5 out, led 4 out, ridden out, won at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec beating Down's Folly (11-2) by 4l, 10 ran.
Presenting Express (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) In rear, mistake 14th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Cresswell Willow (11-0) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Dec, 10 ran.
Antonius Caesar (FR) 11-1 (11-10) Mid-division, effort 2 out, driven and one pace from last, 3rd of 16, 2l behind Stagecoach Opal (10-12) at Doncaster 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Dec.
Zacharova (IRE) 7-4fav (10-12) In touch, left 2nd 13th, led 3 out, not fluent last, eased towards finish, won at Leicester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Dec beating Twilight Eagle (11-1) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
King Barry (FR) 5-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, led 4 out, ridden approaching last, stayed on well, won at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy in Dec beating Jass (11-1) by 1l, 9 ran.
