Sprinter in front of Chase rivals

Sprinter Sacre, unbeaten in his six starts over fences, was among nine entries for the Victor Chandler Chase on Saturday, his last outing before the Cheltenham Festival.

The Nicky Henderson-trained seven-year-old, an imperious winner of the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown last month, is long odds-on for the Ascot Grade One contest, which has a purse of £105,000, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March. Of his potential rivals on Saturday, Sanctuaire, a winner at Kempton after his third place in the Tingle Creek, and last year's Victor Chandler winner Somersby are officially next best, but 12lb and 14lb respectively behind.

A notable absentee is Rubi Light. "He's got a stone bruise and he's on the easy list for a couple of days," said trainer Robbie Hennessy.

Turf account

Chris McGrath's Nap: Gran Torino (1.40 Ffos Las)

Is perfectly at home with a test of stamina on heavy ground.

Next best: Forever My Friend (3.50 Ffos Las)

Has kept better company than this more than once this season.