Waiting Patiently, Top Notch and Politologue form part of potential stellar line-up for Ascot Chase on Saturday
Racing could return with a bang in the Grade 1 contest provided the sport gets the all-clear by the weekend
DESPITE equine flu stopping racing in its tracks, entries for Saturday's Ascot Chase have been made as usual - and it looks quite a contest.
Waiting Patiently, Aso, Cyrname and Politologue are among a host of top class names confirmed for the Grade 1.
If going ahead, the event would provide the perfect tonic for racing fans who've been deprived of any action since the sport was cancelled on Thursday.
Perhaps no-one will be keener for the contest to get the green light than Ruth Jefferson, whose star horse Waiting Patiently has only been seen once so far this season - when falling half-way round in the King George.
The eight-year-old won last year's renewal, but it would need to be an even better training performance for him to do the business this year given he's had so much time off.
Bookies are nonetheless likely to have him at the head of the market, with Top Notch following close behind.
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Nicky Henderson's super jumper bounced back to his best in a Listed event at Kempton last time, and this looks the natural stepping stone given his good record at the course.
Cyrname and Politologue have both been entered by Paul Nicholls, with the former looking to build on a stunning victory at the track last month.
Venetia Williams relies on Aso, whose new rating brings him firmly into the equation, while Kim Bailey is set to field Peterborough Chase winner Charbel.
Fox Norton, Abolitionist and Janika complete the possible line-up.
Over in Ireland, Gowran Park hosts the Red Mills Chase on the same day.
Gold Cup favourite Presenting Percy is the biggest name on show, with his recent win in the Galmoy Hurdle demonstrating he's not lost any of his spark.
Last year's RSA Chase winner won't have it easy, though, with Henry De Bromhead likely to field Monalee.
Although beaten out of sight by Kemboy over Christmas, that was still a decent effort and the trainer believes he will come on for the run.
He said: "Monalee will probably run in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran on Saturday. I didn't run him the other day because of the ground.
"He seems in good form and I think he needs a run."