Hat-trick seeking Un De Sceaux one of eight entries for Clarence House Chase at Ascot
Willie Mullins' classy chaser appears to have scared off a few rivals ahead of his bid for a historic third Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
HAT-TRICK chasing Un De Sceaux is one of just eight remaining entries in the Royal Salute Whisky Clarence House Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
The Willie Mullins-trained ten-year-old, a multiple Grade One winner, is chasing a third consecutive win in the race and will become the first three-time winner of the two-mile-one furlong contest should he succeed.
He made an effortless comeback when cruising through what soon-to-be unraceable ground in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork last month.
Nicky Henderson has left in his novice, Brain Power, who was last seen unseating David Mullins in a frenetic renewal of the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown.
Paul Nicholls has also left in an exciting novice, Cyrname, and he could be joined by San Benedeto.
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Harry Fry's Kylemore Lough could drop back down in trip on what would be only his second start for his new stable since leaving Kerry Lee.
Lee herself could run Top Gamble, second to Un De Sceaux in the Hilly Way.
God's Own, who finished third at Kempton on Saturday, could be out quickly again for Tom George, while Nigel Hawke has left bang-in-form handicapper Speredek in the mix.
While Hawke has not confirmed Speredek as a definite runner, it appears he is very tempted by the challenge.
Templegate's Treble
NAP 3.40 Plumpton - Brianstorm: 'Richard Johnson has a good record for this yard andd Brianstorm should find this class and trip more suitable'
NEXT BEST 7.10 Wolverhampton - Mount Tahan: 'Kevin Ryan's gelding is in peak form and was raised only 3lb for a Class 2 win last time'
TREBLE 3.25 Ayr - Sky Full Of Stars: 'Shone at this course at the start of the month and the handicapper has been kind with just a 4lb rise'
The Devon handler said: "We're certainly looking at it. Obviously there's one horse (Un De Sceaux) in there but we've got to consider it.
"It's a likely small field. The horse is fit and well and it's £150,000 race with prize-money down to sixth. He's only got so many options.
"You should never be afraid of just one horse and he's in such good form he's got to take his chance somewhere."