RACING: Ashley Brook can give Somerset trainer Kevin Bishop a famous victory in the William Hill - Tingle Creek Trophy at Sandown today.
Bishop, who has held a licence since 1979, has a number of big-race wins to his credit and he can add to that tally thanks to Ashley Brook.
The seven-year-old was one of the best novices around last season and he completed his campaign with an impressive success in a Grade One contest at Aintree.
Ashley Brook returned to action in the William Hill Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter at the beginning of last month.
He was soon bowling along in front but a blunder at the eighth fence appeared to knock the stuffing out of him and he finished third, beaten four lengths and nine by Monkerhostin and Kauto Star.
Ashley Brook will have benefited a great deal from the outing and with the weights in his favour at Sandown, he is taken to reverse placings with his Exeter conquerors.
With last year's principals Moscow Flyer, Azertyuiop and Well Chief as well as Rathgar Beau on the easy list the path is clear for Ashley Brook to stake an early claim to championship honours.
Henrietta Knight's string may have been weakened by the sad loss of Best Mate and the retirement of Edredon Bleu but the Wantage trainer could have another potential star on her hands in Racing Demon.
The five-year-old is clearly high-class as he showed when he finished an excellent second to No Refuge in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Racing Demon reappeared at Exeter last month when he beat some promising sorts on his chasing debut. He jumped soundly and stayed on well to defeat Chilling Place a shade comfortably by a length and a half.
The experience will have done Racing Demon the world of good and he looks the one they all have to beat in the Sodexho Prestige Henry VIII Novices' Chase.
All Star can give Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup-winning trainer Nicky Henderson another big Saturday prize in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.
The five-year-old has been raised 12lb for an easy win at Huntingdon last time but he is improving at a rate of knots and he should not be overlooked in the £50,000 contest.
At Haydock, Schuh Shine takes the eye towards the bottom of the weights in the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase. The progressive eight-year-old won at Sandown four weeks ago on his first start for over six months when he just held on by a length and three-quarters from Durlston Bay.
Schuh Shine will strip a lot fitter at Haydock and he looks to have a sound chance once again.
