Dane Heads Ladbroke Weights

Nicky Richards' Premier Dane has been left at the head of the 40 horses remaining in The Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

Boylesports International winner Osana has been taken out, along with Gwanako, Penzance, Hide The Evidence, Overstrand and Souffleur.

Nicky Henderson has left recent Cheltenham winner Jack The Giant in, but his participation is still in doubt, although the Seven Barrows handler can also choose from Shatabdi, French Opera, Princelet and Ingratitude.

Willie Mullins would appear to hold a strong hand with Viso, Deutschland and Jayo, while the Irish contingent is supplemented by Orbit O' Gold, Don't Be Bitin, Victram, Silver Jaro and Roman Villa.

Philip Hobbs has the option of French Saulaie, Missis Potts and Espirit de Corps, but one of the ante-post fancies, Ring The Boss, has been taken out.

Gary Moore has a fine record in big handicap hurdles and can choose from Altilhar, Heathcote and Pace Shot.

David Pipe, who won the race last year with Acambo, has a sole representative in the shape of Laustra Bad.

Other possibles include Amour Multiple, Chivalry, Pigeon Island, Kanad, Platin Grounds and European Dream.

Charlie Mann confirmed Kanad a definite starter for the #150,000 contest.

The five-year-old looked impressive in winning his first two races this season, but found the soft ground against him last time at Sandown.

'He'll run. I think it was trainer error last time to run him in that ground,' said Mann.

'He likes good or fastish ground and he will go to Ascot on Saturday having won there already this season and we're hopeful for him.

'He's improved this season, but he's a horse that has taken quite a bit of time to come to himself.

'He's five now, I got him off Ed Dunlop. We gave him a year off to begin with. He's a nice type of horse and he'll jump a fence in time,' he told At The Races.

(C) PA Sport