Chandler hopes face weight issue
A hike of at least 5lb is on the cards after reports that the first three in the handicap – Foreman (11-10), Voy Por Ustedes (11-9) and Central House (11-7) - are going to miss the race.
The prospect does not worry Rimell, who has two entries in the £140,000 handicap over two miles and a furlong, Oneway (originally given 11st 2lb) and Crossbow Creek (11st).
But Chance, on the other hand, wishes the weights would stay as they are.
He trains River City, who was allotted 11st 3lb, but now the Paul Nicholls-trained Sporazene (11st 5lb) is the only horse between him and the burden of humping 11st 10lb round the Berkshire track.
Rimell may well run both his horses, who also carry his colours.
“If I felt conditions were right I would run both. You’ve got a better chance of hitting the target if you’ve got two runners rather than one. They are in good form,” he said.
“As far as the ground is concerned we’ve got 12 days to go and anything can happen between now and then.
“Oneway would be a definite runner. He’s a dual course and distance winner round Sandown and that is a similar track to Ascot. He’s not been there before, but with Sandown in mind it could suit him very well.
“I’m very happy with him after his run at Kempton (second to Voy Por Ustedes). He’s come back from that in very good order and I was pleased with his performance,” he said.
“I think he’ll be a better horse round Ascot. Kempton was a bit on the sharp side for him.
“I have been thinking of stepping Oneway up in trip and Ascot is a stiffer track.
“He goes on any ground, he’s been trained for the race and it can’t come quick enough.
“I’m not worried about the weight with him. He’s a big strong horse – he’ll carry weight.
“Crossbow Creek is in good order and the ground dries up very quickly at Ascot. We’ll take it day by day.
“He’s risen quite quickly in the weights for his two wins in the autumn.
“I think he’s an improving horse. He’s a year younger than Oneway and he’s only just really found his feet chasing.
“He’s got his confidence and when you’ve got an improving horse you can dream. He’s won over the course and distance so I’d have to look at the race very seriously.”
Both horses are prominent in the betting, with the sponsors going 6-1 Oneway and 7-1 Crossbow Creek.
River City, currently 12-1, finished 11 and a half lengths behind Oneway in fourth place in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton over Christmas, but would meet his old rival on 9lb better terms at Ascot.
“At the moment he’s a definite runner. I was hoping Foreman would run to keep the weights right and I don’t relish the weights going up,” said Chance.
“He’s in good shape. He’s improved for his last run and I was looking forward to him taking on Foreman again as our horse would be meeting him on 12lb better terms than at Kempton.
“His owner is away and I’ll speak to her when she comes back, but she’s keen to run.”
Saintsaire, one of five entries from the Nicholls stable, heads the sponsors market at 3-1 with Arthur Moore’s Irish raider Mansony second best at 5-1.
Victor Chandler Chase, sponsors bet: 3-1 Saintsaire, 5-1 Mansony, 6-1 Oneway, 7-1 Crossbow Creek, 10-1 Andreas, Kalca Mome, Hasty Prince, 12-1 River City, Dempsey, 16-1 Tysou, Greenhope, 25-1 bar.
