Applesandpierres may be in need of a confidence-booster having fallen over fences at Sedgefield and back over hurdles last time at Ludlow. Holbrook Park has claims, however, as he’s been fairly consistent since winning his maiden at Warwick last year and MCKENZIE’S FRIEND is also worth a second look. The latter only weakened at the last over further at Wincanton last month so this trip should suit and he wears blinkers for the first time. Oscar Sunset is better over fences nowadays and it’s difficult to recommend Great Tempo on his two runs since winning a three-horse race at Hexham.
Oscar Sunset (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, ridden after 10th, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before next, at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Feb.
Applesandpierres (IRE) 20-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, challenging when jumped left 3 out, soon edged right, bumped into rival and led, strongly pressed when fell 2 out, at Ludlow 2m hcp (3) gs in Feb.
Holbrook Park 5-1 (11-12) Raced wide, chased leaders, led 4 out, pushed along after next, ridden and headed briefly before 2 out, headed approaching and hit last, lost 2nd and no extra run-in, 4th of 10, 5 1/2l behind Ding Ding (10-11) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Great Tempo (FR) 9-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden before 2 out, weakened before last, 8th of 13, 32l behind Top Ville Ben (11-5) at Leicester 2m (4) gs in Jan.
McKenzie's Friend (IRE) 5-2 (10-12) Tracked leader from 2nd, led 7th, headed before 2 out, no extra inside final 100 yards, 5th of 7, 5 1/4l behind Persian Delight (11-7) at Wincanton 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Feb.
