Shishkin spearheads super six for Ascot Chase

Nicky Henderson's charge faces a stern test on his first start since undergoing wind surgery

STEPPING UP: Shishkin will tackle two miles and five furlongs at Ascot this weekend. Picture: Adam Davy/PA 

Shishkin will face five rivals as he steps up in trip for Saturday's Betfair Ascot Chase.

Nicky Henderson's nine-year-old was unbeaten in his first seven starts over fences, winning up to two and a quarter miles, but he was pulled up in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at last year's Cheltenham Festival and trailed home a distant third behind Edwardstone on his Tingle Creek return in December.