Star tops Ascot possibles as clash with Monet’s Garden looms
The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is due to have his final run before defending his crown at the Festival in the two-mile-five-furlong contest, for which 12 other horses have been entered.
Kauto Star has also been given the option of running in the Country Gentleman’s Association Chase at Wincanton.
Nicky Richards has aimed Monet’s Garden at the race for some time and he was successful 12 months ago. However, the race will be contested over an extra two furlongs this year.
Howle Hill, a winner of four of his five chase starts to date, may take on the big two after his comfortable victory in a valuable event at Doncaster last time.
Charlie Egerton has also entered his exciting novice Hobbs Hill, unbeaten in four races over fences this season.
Racing Demon, fourth in the King George behind Kauto Star, and Charlie Swan’s One Cool Cookie also bring solid Grade One form to the contest.
Fair Along, Fundamentalist, Sporazene and Vodka Bleu are also entered.
