Defi Du Seuil will return to action in either the Clarence House Chase or the Game Spirit Chase, racing manager Frank Berry has said.
Defi Du Seuil won the Clarence House Chase last January and has been included among 12 entries at this stage for the renewal of the Ascot contest on January 23.
He was pulled up when failing to sparkle in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November but Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus, is hopeful that was just a blip
and he will perform well when out next.
Berry said: “He seems fine. He didn’t perform on the day for some reason, but nothing showed up. He’s had a bit of a break and hopefully he’ll be back in time for that (Clarence House Chase).
“He has an entry, but we’ll know nearer the time how he is. He has the Game Spirit as his other option.”
Politologue is the standout name on the list for the Clarence House Chase after the Paul Nicholls-trained grey’s win in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown last month.
Kim Bailey’s First Flow, who has won his last five races, is also among the 12, as are Duc De Genievres, Impact Factor and Sizing Pottsie.
Benator, Bun Doran, Esprit Du Large, Fanion D’Estruval, Le Patriote and Riders Onthe Storm make up the rest of the initial entries.
