Captain Chris could have his first outing since his narrow Boxing Day defeat in next Saturday's Betfair Ascot Chase.

Already a winner at the Berkshire course in November, Philip Hobbs' nine-year-old produced a phenomenal effort in the King George VI Chase when beaten just a neck in a struggle with Long Run.

Captain Chris also has an entry in the Racing Plus Chase back at Kempton before a potential outing in the Betfred Cheltenham Gold, for which he is currently a 20-1 chance with the sponsors.

"He'll run at Ascot next weekend, all being well," said Hobbs.

Also bound for the Ascot race is last season's Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Finian's Rainbow.

The Nicky Henderson-trained 10-year-old has had a wind operation since being well-beaten behind Captain Chris at the track in November.

How Finian's Rainbow fares at Ascot will determine which of his three options from the Champion Chase, Ryanair Chase and Betfred Gold Cup he takes up at Cheltenham.

"The plan is to run at Ascot. He got bogged down in the mud there and we subsequently fiddled about with his wind," owner Michael Buckley told At The Races.

"I imagine if it rained or snowed every day and was absolutely bottomless again we might give it a miss, but otherwise we'll go there. After that we'll decide what we go for at Cheltenham."

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