Foreman Heads Chandler Weights Thierry Doumen's Foreman has been allotted top weight of 11st 10lb in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot on January 20.The eight-year-old finished third behind Voy Por Ustedes in the Arkle at Cheltenham but turned the tables on that rival three weeks later at Aintree in the Maghull Novices' Chase.Alan King's chaser is next in the weights on 11st 9lb for the Grade Two #140,000 handicap but is a doubtful runner at this stage.Central House heads the challenge from Ireland on 11st 7lb, while Jim Dreaper's Jim and Arthur Moore's Mansony are other possibles from the Emerald Isle.Improving handicapper Crossbow Creek has 11st ? only 2lb below Mark Rimell's other smart chaser Oneway.Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has five entries, headed by recent Exeter winner Sporazene, who would be asked to carry 11st 5lb.He too, however, seems unlikely to take his chance at the Berkshire venue.Armaturk, Andreas, Hoo La Baloo and ante-post favourite Saintsaire are other possibles for the Ditcheat handler.Howard Johnson's smart novice Lennon does not qualify for the race as he does not meet the requirements of having run three times over fences.As the 8-1 second favourite is ineligible to run, the sponsors have issued a new set of prices.(C) PA Sport
