Cue Card tops 14 entries for Ascot Chase

Cue Card is the main attraction among 14 entries for the Betfair Ascot Chase on February 18.Colin Tizzard has given his stable stalwart the option of dropping down in trip after his eclipse by stablemate Thistlecrack in the King George on Boxing Day.He has been installed as the 6-4 favourite by the sponsors, despite the fact he would be racing over less than three miles for the first time since April 2015, when he was beaten by Don Cossack at Aintree.Paul Nicholls has entered last year's winner Silviniaco Conti and Vibrato Valtat, who was last seen when finishing second to Vaniteux at Kempton last month.Dan Downie, racing manager for Vibrato Valtat's owner Axom, said: "I will be sitting down this week with Paul Nicholls to decide where we go next with Vibrato Valtat."We need to make a plan with the horse and the Betfair Ascot Chase is on the agenda as one of his options."He ran really well last time out at Kempton and that was his first run back after his wind operation, so you would hope he would come on for it."In an ideal world, the Kempton race would have been 10 days' later so it was a good performance. The trip at Ascot should be pretty ideal for him."Nicky Henderson has entered Josses Hill and Vaniteux, while Gary Moore has entered Traffic Fluide and Camping Ground, who has recently left Robert Walford. Unfortunately for Moore, Ar Mad has met with a setback and misses the race.Bristol De Mai has been entered but connections confirmed earlier in the week his aim before Cheltenham is the Denman Chase over three miles at Newbury.Irish Cavalier, Kylemore Lough, Royal Regatta, Shantou Flyer, Taquin Du Seuil and Tenor Nivernais complete the list.