Entries close tomorrow for the £100,000 williamhill.com chase at Doncaster and a high-class entry is expected for the 2009 running of the valuable handicap.
The unrestricted two-mile handicap – won last year by Alan King’s Howle Hill – has been a welcome addition to the calendar, and looks set to be another hotly contested running.
Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls plans to enter five in the contest, including 2007 Grand Annual winner Andreas, and the high-class novice I’msingingtheblues. Natal – last seen in action at Leopardstown - and recent Haydock winner Medicinal complete the quintet – along with the Andy Stewart-owned Poquelin.
I’msingingtheblues may not be the only novice to line-up in the field, with Pond House trainer David Pipe anticipating an entry for I’m So Lucky – who turned in a credible performance when runner-up to Newbury winner Planet of Sound last time out.
Yorkshire-based Ferdy Murphy also has the race in mind for three of his charges with Three Mirrors, Tidal Fury, and the unexposed Beggars Cap all likely entrants.
Kate Miller, Spokeswoman for Hills, said: ‘’The introduction of this race last year was praised by trainers lamenting the loss of the of the Victor Chandler Handicap, and we were rewarded with a high-class entry, and a competitive renewal that saw just five lengths split the first five home. With entries expected from most of the top yards this year we are anticipating another thriller.’’
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