Albertas heads Ascot nine

John Smith's Grand National top weight Albertas Run is one of nine possibles for Saturday's Betfair Ascot Chase.

The nine-year-old has won twice at the Berkshire venue but needs to put a disappointing effort in the King George VI Chase at Kempton last time out behind him.

"Albertas Run has a lot of weight, but that's the way it is," trainer Jonjo O'Neill said of his National weight of 11st 12lb.

"He will run at Ascot on Saturday and we'll take it from there."

William Hill Gold Cup winner Planet Of Sound was second to Albertas Run in the Amlin 1965 Chase last November and could renew rivalry, while Herecomesthetruth is the sole entry for Paul Nicholls.

The Sawyer could step up in grade following handicap successes at Ascot and Cheltenham on his last two appearances, while Master Medic, Oh Crick, Tramantano, Miss Mitch and Monet's Garden complete the list of contenders.

The latter was successful three years ago and chased home Kauto Star the following season, although is not a definite starter this time.

"We've left Monet's in the race at Ascot this weekend and we'll just see what the entries are looking like and weigh things up," said trainer Nicky Richards.

"There is a race at Kelso on March 6 for him as well so we'll just have to decide where we're going, but he's absolutely flying at the moment."