Theatre the star in Betfair Riverside Theatre is the star attraction among seven entries for Saturday's Betfair Ascot Chase. Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old was last seen finishing second to stablemate Long Run in the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton last month. He was entered for the Aon Chase at Newbury on Friday but connections have decided to swerve a clash with What A Friend in favour of the Ascot feature. What A Friend's trainer Paul Nicholls will try to foil that plan, as he saddles Pride Of Dulcote, whilst former Ditcheat inmate Big Fella Thanks represents Ferdy Murphy. Murphy sends his leading Grand National hope Big Fella Thanks on the long journey south from Yorkshire, but he admits his charge has plenty to find with the principals on official ratings. "It's a Grade One and we're about a stone wrong with Riverside Theatre, but I've spoken to Harry (Findlay, owner) whose in Australia and we're letting him take his chance," said Murphy. "He's also in three-mile handicap at Ascot on Saturday but we thought rather than let him run in that with top-weight, he'd be better off going for the two-mile five-furlong race at level weights. "He's very well and we're happy with him, so hopefully the ground keeps drying out as that would suit him. "Obviously this is a stepping-stone to Aintree and hopefully, if all goes well on Saturday, he'll go to Newbury on March 5 for the Greatwood Gold Cup, which he won last year." Course winner Deep Purple will be looking to bounce back to form for Evan Williams, whilst Nick Williams' Gauvain, Tom George's Tartak and Henreitta Knight's Racing Demon complete the line-up.
