Brook bouncing ahead of Mate clash

Ashley Brook is delighting connections ahead of his return to action in the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter next week.

The rising star will lock horns with triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate on his seasonal bow having signed off last term by landing the Grade One Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree, where he had War Of Attrition 16 lengths in arrears.

“I schooled him in both the loose school and out in the field,” his jockey Paddy Brennan told At The Races.

“He schooled very well and I was very pleased with him. He looks a million dollars. He is very fit and Kevin Bishop has done a great job with him.

“To be honest, when I got there I couldn’t believe how good he looked. He looked amazing and it is great his shins are good and everything has been straightforward this year.

“We are going into this race like we have never gone into any other. He is 100% fit. His shins are good and he feels great.”