Nicky Henderson has revealed Shishkin is “99.9 certain” to run in the 1965 Chase at Ascot on Saturday.
The nine-year-old is also entered in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, but Henderson looks set to opt for the shorter race at Ascot, with the ground the key factor.
The Grade Two 1965 Chase is run over 2m 5f at the Berkshire track, where the going was described as good to soft on Tuesday, while the Grade One Betfair Chase is a three mile and one-and-a-half furlong contest, with the ground at Haydock heavy, soft in places on Tuesday.
Shishkin, who won the Ascot Chase last season before going on to finish second in the Ryanair Chase and winning the Aintree Bowl over 3m 1f, now heads the betting for the 1965 Chase ahead of Pic D’Orhy.
More to follow…