Tap Night is shortly to embark on a chasing career and one of his options is Saturday's Markel Insurance Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown.

The five-year-old gelding is Lucinda Russell's first horse for powerful owner JP McManus, who snapped him up after his victory in a handicap hurdle at Ayr last month.

He was capable of defeating Captain Conan in a Grade Two novice hurdle at Kelso last season, and Nicky Henderson's representative has been entered in the same race at the Esher course after his impressive chasing debut at Cheltenham.

"Everything's a bit up in the air at the moment - he's in all over the place, including over hurdles, but he's more likely to go chasing," said Russell.

"He has schooled well, and done nothing wrong so far. I might find him a beginners' chase somewhere instead, but we'll wait and see."

There are eight entries in the Grade One over two miles, including the top-class hurdler Overturn, who won well over course and distance a month ago but may need a different rider with his usual partner Jason Maguire set to be in action at Aintree.

Russell will certainly have a runner at Sandown on Friday, with Carlisle winner Bold Sir Brian engaged in the Sportingbet Future Stars Chase.

"He'll almost certainly go there," said the Kinross trainer.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests