Holbrook Park was just behind Enjoy Responsibly over 2m5f here last month and the pair meet on the same terms. But Neil King’s charge is fancied to come out on top over this longer trip. There will be more to come from Gettysburg Address over fences but Mendip Express is at the opposite end of his career and may get taken off his feet around here. SIDEWAYS could have the form of his course success franked earlier on the card and has won since over 3m2f at Sedgefield. He’s on an upward curve and the hat-trick beckons even though Le Reve drops down a further grade would have outclassed these in his prime.
Le Reve (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, tailed off when blundered 3 out, 8th of 17, dist behind Houblon Des Obeaux (11-3) at Sandown 3m hcp (2) gs in Jan.
Enjoy Responsibly (IRE) 5-2jfav (11-12) In rear, went 4th at 12th, ridden 3 out, stayed on to go 3rd close home, 3rd of 5, 12 3/4l behind Militarian (11-12) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Holbrook Park 3-1 (11-11) Led, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra and lost 3rd close home, 4th of 5, 13l behind Militarian (11-12) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Mendip Express (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, tracked leaders after 3 out (usual 4 out), ridden to challenge approaching last, led soon after, stayed on under pressure flat (3rd last fence omitted on both circuits), won at Sandown 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec beating Thomas Crapper (11-8) by 5l, 8 ran.
Gettysburg Address (IRE) 11-1 (11-11) Prominent, led 9th, driven clear 2 out, headed after last, no extra, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Holdbacktheriver (11-12) at Bangor 3m hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Sideways (IRE) 15-8jfav (11-7) Chased leaders, went 2nd from 16th, led before 2 out, soon clear, stayed on, won at Sedgefield 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Jan beating Chase The Wind (11-9) by 3 1/4l, 6 ran.
