Garden Ready To Bloom

Monet's Garden is reportedly in top shape ahead of his retrieval mission in the Grade One Commercial First Ascot Chase on Saturday.

The Nicky Richards-trained grey was last seen in the King George VI Chase where he was sent off a well-supported 5-1 chance only to fade tamely and finish sixth behind Kauto Star.

However, Richards is convinced that was not the real Monet's Garden and the nine-year-old returned home dehydrated, leaving connections clinging to the hope that he can still cut the mustard at the top level.

'He seems fine, we've had a good week up to now with him thank goodness and, if we get him there in one piece, hopefully he can perform like we know he can,' said the Greystoke handler.

'We've been very lucky in the fact that we have missed no real work with him as we have had a very wet winter up north.

'We've got a good all-weather gallop and nothing has held us up really. He was on grass for the first time this morning for the first time since November.

'He is fresh and well and raring to go and hopefully people will see the real Monet's.'

Richards is also hoping for an improved showing from his exciting novice According To John in the John Smith's Reynoldstown Novices' Chase on the same card.

The seven-year-old won his first six races under rules but suffered a slight injury when upped in class behind Ungaro in the Feltham at Kempton in December and trailed home fourth.

'He is fine now, fully recovered and we've had no problems with him. We've been having a good lead-up to the race with him and hopefully he will put up a good show,' said Richards.

(C) PA Sport