Abu heads Ascot field Mount Abu heads 41 acceptors for Saturday`s Stg£150,000 Tote International Stakes, the highlight of a classy supporting card for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes. The defection of Lincoln Dancer from the seven-furlong contest means that the weights are set to go up 5lb, leaving Mount Abu on 9st 10lb. Amanda Perrett appears to have a strong hand in the race with both Tillerman and Big Future standing their ground. Options remain open for the Pulborough-trained pair, both owned by Khalid Abdullah, whose first-choice rider Richard Hughes is currently out of action through suspension. Michael Kinane, who rode Tillerman to win this event 12 months ago, may also be unavailable if he fails to overturn a two-day suspension at an appeal hearing in Ireland later this week. 'They are both possible runners at Ascot,' Mrs Perrett commented. 'We`d like to get Michael Kinane to ride if he wins his appeal.' Atavus is reported to be on course for the race by trainer George Margarson after his impressive win in the Bunbury Cup on his latest start. 'He was put up 10lb for his win in the Bunbury which I thought was a bit mean and a mark of 96 means he`ll be quite tricky to place,' said Margarson. 'But he is in off 90 with a 3lb penalty on Saturday so that is a little bit better and he`s also on his old mark in the William Hill Mile at Goodwood the following week, so if he wins both those races I won`t be complaining!' Top apprentice Jamie Mackay, who partnered Atavus to success last time out, will be visiting Margarson`s Newmarket stables on Wednesday to put the finishing touches to the four-year-old`s preparation. 'He seems in good form and I haven`t really had to do anything with him since Newmarket,' the trainer added. 'Jamie has sat on him before both his last races so we thought we ought to do it again - he`ll work with A Touch Of Frost and if he works well then he`ll definitely run. 'His attitude has improved this year, he is becoming a professional on the racecourse whereas he was probably still a bit of a baby last season. 'Depending upon how he runs at Ascot, he could certainly run again at Goodwood - it`s the obvious thing to do if you have a horse in good form.' Swedish-based Argentinian Diego Lowther, who sent over El Gran Lode to finish eighth in the race last year, is set to be represented by Moon Parade, while compatriot Hangover Square is also an intended runner.
