Bel makes Ladbroke cut

Belcantista, ante-post gamble for The Ladbroke, has sneaked in one from bottom in the 21-horse line-up.

Philip Hobbs’ gelding, owned by JP McManus, won on his recent British debut at Exeter and is not far off favouritism for the prestigious handicap hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

Imperial Cup and Cheltenham Festival runner-up Ashkazar will carry top weight of 11st 12lb on his seasonal reappearance, leaving Belcantista and stablemate Prince Taime at the foot of the scale on 10st 6lb.

McManus has another major string to his bow through Aigle D’Or, the runner-up in the Greatwood Hurdle, who will be 2lb better off for a head defeat to the reopposing Numide.

Sentry Duty will also help Aigle D’Or’s trainer Nicky Henderson try to follow up a win in the race last year.

Paul Nicholls has put conditional jockey Harry Skelton on Five Dream, with Ruby Walsh getting the leg-up on Take The Breeze.

Khyber Kim, Group Captain, Noble Alan, last year’s runner-up Alsadaa, Squadron, Cuan Na Grai, Songe, Mamlook, Sky Hall, Irish Legend, European Dream, Leamington Lad and Mourne Rambler complete the line-up.