Cyrname heads nine entries for the Ascot Chase

Cyrname looks set to defend his crown in next month’s Ascot Chase, as he headlines a list of nine entries for the Grade 1 contest over two and a half miles.

The eight-year-old seemingly failed to stay the trip when tried over three miles in last month’s King George VI Chase at Kempton Park, but he boasts an outstanding record over fences at Ascot, winning on each of his last three visits to the track - including a 17-length success in this race last year. 

Cyrname’s most recent start at Ascot saw him end the 19-race unbeaten run of the dual Champion Chaser Altior in the 1965 Chase over this trip in November, and he will face a maximum of eight rivals here. His rivals could include stablemate and last season’s Ryanair Chase hero, Frodon, who returned to winning ways in the Silviniaco Conti Chase over this trip at Kempton earlier this month. 

Also entered is the 2017 Gold Cup hero Sizing John, though he is due to run in Sunday’s Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown, while Nicky Henderson could be doubly represented by the Peterborough Chase winner Top Notch, and the Haldon Gold Cup hero Janika - both of whom are owned by Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.

Other notable entries include Saint Calvados, who’s a regular in top level affairs for the Harry Whittington team, while the rapidly-improving Riders Onthe Storm has also been handed an entry by Nigel Twiston-Davies. The entries are completed by Valdez, and the Gary Moore-trained Traffic Fluide.

Riders Onthe Storm has impressed on his two outings since joining the Twiston-Davies yard, winning on both occasions, and his trainer has indicated that he is ready for the step into Grade 1 company.

He said: "Riders Onthe Storm is on target to run in the Betfair Ascot Chase on February 15. He has come out of Ascot very well and was impressive there last time.

"He likes the track and the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival is the long-term aim."

The seven-year-old's part-owner Carl Hinchy, commented: "Riders Onthe Storm is in good form and the plan is for him to run in the Betfair Ascot Chase.

"This race has been the target since his win at Ascot last time out and it fits in nicely in terms of the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, which is where he will go next after this.

"Nigel is happy with him and he's in great nick so hopefully he can run well."

The current odds for the Ascot Chase are as follows; 4/6 Cyrname; 3/1 Riders Onthe Storm; 7/1 Janika, Top Notch; 8/1 Frodon, Saint Calvados; 12/1 Sizing John; 50/1 Traffic Fluide; 100/1 Valdez