Brook Set For Gallop

Ashley Brook may have a racecourse gallop at Exeter next Wednesday as part of his build-up for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham a week later.

Kevin Bishop hopes to take his smart two-miler from his Bridgwater base for a spin the morning after racing at the Devon track.

The eight-year-old is well on course for the Festival having made a full recovery from a knee injury.

Last season's Arkle Trophy runner-up damaged his off-fore knee when finishing second to Kauto Star in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown in early December.

'He's progressing well and will hopefully have a racecourse gallop next week somewhere,' said Bishop, who is hoping the horse's big-race partner Paddy Brennan will be in the saddle there.

'We might take him down to Exeter the day after racing, early morning and he might a jump a few fences.

'He's done plenty of work and we've had no hold-ups with him at all.

'His blood has been OK and we'll blood test him again just before he runs just to double check.

'He's done some loose schooling and there's been no reaction to the injury.

'Decent ground will be perfect for him at Cheltenham and we haven't had any hold-ups with the weather either so far.'

Ashley Brook is fourth favourite at around 8-1 for the Champion Chase.

? PA Sport