Kauto versus Monet's the star turn

A fascinating rematch between Kauto Star and Monet’s Garden is the undoubted highlight of what should prove an informative week of action.

The pair are pencilled in to do battle again in the Commercial First Ascot Chase, a Grade One event over two miles, five and a half furlongs.

Although Kauto Star has carried all before him over three miles this season, connections of Monet’s Garden can take heart from the fact their charge is only horse to topple the champion in well over a year.

Paul Nicholls will be looking for the ideal prep for Kauto Star’s Cheltenham Gold Cup defence so another nail-biting battle is on the cards.

Although much of the focus at Ascot will be on that particular event, there is plenty to savour away from the main contest with the John Smith’s Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase promising to be a Festival pointer in its own right.

The Betfair Handicap Hurdle also provides punters with a good opportunity for some heavy-hitting betting action.

Saturday is a veritable feast for armchair fans with the Red Square Vodka Gold Cup Chase taking centre stage at Haydock.

The Grade Three boasts £125,000 in prize-money and is often a target for Grand National-bound runners. With the likes of Bewleys Berry and Simon entered, this year looks to be no exception.

The Casino 36 Stockport Rendlesham Hurdle gives the stayers a chance to shine, while the Prestige Novices’ Hurdle offers a good prep for Spa Hurdle hopefuls.

A packed programme of top-class action is completed by the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.

The race featured an intriguing battle between Straw Bear and Afsoun last year and much like at Ascot, and the former is in the frame for the race again.

Nick Gifford could go on a recovery mission in the Grade Two after Straw Bear came off second best to his old adversary at Sandown recently.

The Country Gentlemen’s Association Chase offers admirable support on what is always an exciting day at the West Country venue.

Away from the weekend racing, Friday’s Sandown meeting features one of the highlights of the amateur riders’ year with the Royal Artillery Gold Cup well worth a look.

Fixtures (FLAT in capitals);

Monday: Plumpton, Wetherby, WOLVERHAMPTON.

Tuesday: Folkestone, Newcastle, SOUTHWELL.

Wednesday: KEMPTON (evening), Leicester, LINGFIELD, Musselburgh.

Thursday: Chepstow, WOLVERHAMPTON (evening), Kelso, SOUTHWELL.

Friday: Fakenham, LINGFIELD, Sandown, WOLVERHAMPTON (evening).

Saturday: Ascot (BBC), Haydock (BBC/CH4), KEMPTON (evening), LINGFIELD, Uttoxeter (CH4), Wincanton.

Sunday: SOUTHWELL, Towcester.