The clash of the generations between Finian’s Rainbow and Al Ferof is on after all eight runners declared at the six-day stage stood their ground for the 25th Anniversary of The Victor Chandler Chase.
Finian’s Rainbow, trained by Nicky Henderson, has been pre-post favourite for the Ascot Grade One since betting opened, having finished second in the Arkle last March, and survived a bad blunder to win on his comeback at Kempton.
Although Al Ferof comes into the race as a novice, Finian’s Rainbow has only had one race over fences outside of novice company.
Owner John Hales enjoyed great success with one flying grey in One Man, and will hope the Paul Nicholls-trained Al Ferof can reach even greater heights after having already won a Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
Wishfull Thinking bounced back from two disappointing runs earlier this season to go down narrowly to Finian’s Rainbow at Kempton. His Festival target is likely to be decided after this.
Somersby, last seen running a fine race over three miles (4800m) in the King George, aims to go one better than last year when just beaten by Master Minded.
Forpadydeplasterer is the sole Irish challenger and has returned from a lengthy absence this season to show his ability remains intact.
A potential fly in the ointment could be the Nick Williams-trained Gauvain, a winner at Cheltenham and Huntingdon this year and seemingly on the upgrade.
Colin Tizzard’s Oiseau De Nuit and I’m So Lucky, trained by David Pipe, complete the octet.
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