Five Dream will face a maximum 23 rivals in his bid to continue Paul Nicholls' fantastic recent run of big-race success in the totesport Trophy at Newbury tomorrow.
The only four-year-old in the field will carry 10st 7lb as top-weight Punjabi, from Nicky Henderson's stable, stood his ground at the 48-hour declaration stage. Henderson also has the well-fancied veteran Caracciola and the lightly-raced Fleet Street in the line-up.
The Irish challenge is headed by Roman Villa and Victram, a regular in these competitive handicap hurdles, with Streets Of Gold and Jayo also travelling. Christy Roche is worried Streets Of Gold might be in the English handicapper's grasp. "He's taking his chance - it's a great prize - but we are concerned about the way Irish horses are handicapped in England," he said. "He's about 10lb higher in England than he is in Ireland. Anyway, let's hope it's right. Some horses are going over to England and winning, so let's hope that's the case with this fellow."
The son of Sadler's Wells, out of triple Classic winner User Friendly, was deemed unlucky in most quarters to be relegated to second place after beating Deutschland half a length at Leopardstown over Christmas.
"Everyone I spoke to said it was a bad decision, but I've been in racing long enough to know that you can get those," reflected the Kildare trainer. "He's in good form, he's well and he's a tough horse."
