Racing: Bookies clued up to the smart Monnaie

ANTE-POST UPDATE

THE BOOKMAKERS are now wise to Monnaie Forte, who was the subject of sustained ante-post support from 9-1 last Tuesday for the Victor Chandler Handicap Chase which has been postponed from its original date last Saturday and will now be run at Ascot this Friday.

The Champion Hurdle market is set for a major shake-up after the showdown this Sunday at Leopardstown between Istabraq, the reigning Champion Hurdler, and French Holly, the Christmas Hurdle winner, in the Irish Champion Hurdle.

Bellator, for whom the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Friday and the Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday are possible targets, could also boost his Champion Hurdle claims.

Simply Dashing, a disappointment behind Teeton Mill in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, could try to enhance his Gold Cup claims in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

Last year's winner, General Wolfe, heads 14 entries for the Haydock race. The gelding has not raced since his victory 12 months ago for the retired Tim Forster and is now in the care of Venetia Williams.

The Grand National winner Earth Summit is also entered in the three-mile limited handicap, having landed the race four years ago.