made all, clear 5th, quickened clear again 4 out, easy
tracked winner to 4th, in 3rd chasing clear leaders when mistake and unseated rider 9th, lame
tracked winner from 4th, took closer order 9th, ridden and weakened 4 out, remote 2nd when mistake 2 out
in rear, left 3rd 9th, well behind clear leaders, headed for 3rd approaching last
Ashley Brook won unchallenged at Exeter last time and can follow up here at the expense of Holland Park and By Degree. The selection was helped by the demise of the odds on favourite Sporazeen, but the fact that the winning time was faster than Azertyuiop in the Haldon Gold Cup, suggests it may have been an exceptional performance. By Degree was pulled up behind Comply Or Die at Wincanton last time, but had previously chased home Willie John Daly in a competitive race at Exeter. Holland Park hasn't been out since chasing home Ardishir in a Bangor hurdle event in April, but has always looked the type to make a decent chaser. Indien Royal returns from a long break and should be monitored closely in the betting, but Ashley Brook could be a bit special and gets the confident vote.
