Following the absence of any withdrawals at the final declaration stage, there will be seven runners in Saturday’s Ascot Chase.
Heading the field will be the Nicky Henderson-trained Top Notch, as his performance in the Peterborough Chase has left bookies marvelling.
The only Grade One race in Britain this February, the chasing pack will be eager to make their mark ahead of Cheltenham next month.
Among that pack will be Coney Island, Waiting Patiently, and the Paul Nicholls horse Frodon mounted by the much fancied Bryony Frost.
Coney Island represents Irish hopes in the race, and was successful in his last time on the course at Ascot.
As Cue Card is reunited with Paddy Brennan, his owners will be hoping to see the horse bounce back to his best on Saturday.
The seven is rounded off by Speredek and Traffic Fluide.
Sky Bet spokesman Michael Shinners had this to say:
Saturday’s race promises to be a cracker, with every base covered – the pretenders in Coney Island and Waiting Patiently, the form horse in Top Notch and the brilliant veteran Cue Card.
We’re not ruling out Frodon, either, while Spederek ran really well from the front last time too and should make this a cracking test.
Whatever wins looks sure to take a hand at the Cheltenham Festival, whether that’s in the Ryanair Chase or even the Gold Cup.
