Monet's ready for battle

Monet’s Garden is “absolutely bouncing” ahead of his second clash with Kauto Star this season in Saturday’s Commercial First Ascot Chase.

Nicky Richards’ gallant grey became the first horse to beat the Gold Cup winner in almost two years at Aintree back in October.

However, he finds himself a stone worse off tomorrow, leaving regular pilot Tony Dobbin well aware of the size of the task ahead.

“He’s a lovely horse to be associated with and he’s been very good to me, he’s given me some of my greatest days on a racecourse,” said the jockey.

“He’s one of my favourites and he’s one of the best I’ve ridden. He’s very talented and he’s very genuine. He gives his all and you can’t ask for any more.

“He’s as well as ever this season, he likes it around Ascot and he won this race last year.

“He’s in great form at the moment as well. I popped him over a few fences the other morning and he’s absolutely bouncing. He likes to be fresh and he has had a nice break.

“Obviously it’s a tough task, I’m sure Kauto Star will be a different proposition to the one we beat at Aintree but he proved that he’s not unbeatable.

“When Monet’s won this race last year that was possibly his best ever performance, but he was also very good at Aintree last season when he beat Taranis.

“He’s given us some very good performances down the years and he very rarely lets us down.”