Racing: For Victor Chandler answer ask Tom

Tom Tate holds the key to Saturday's pounds 40,000 Victor Chandler Handicap Chase at Ascot. The trainer will not decide until later in the week whether to run last year's winner, Ask Tom, who headed 14 acceptors at yesterday's five-day stage. The gelding missed an engagement at Wetherby over Christmas with mucus in his throat and may not be fit enough for Ascot.

In Ask Tom's absence the weights would rise by 11lb, allowing several runners into the handicap proper. Green Green Desert is only likely to run if Ask Tom defects. The gelding is currently 20lb out of the handicap and has an alternative engagement at Newcastle.