Irish duo in Victor Chandler

There were two Irish entries left in at today`s confirmation stage for the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot on Saturday.

Bagnelstown trainer Willie Mullins is hoping Norman Williamson is available to ride Killultagh Storm, while the other home challenger is Arthur Moore`s Fadoudal Du Cochet.

Moore saddled the last Irish-trained winner of the two-mile handicap, Jeffell, in 1998.

And a decision on Fadoudal Du Cochet`s participation at Ascot will be made later in the week.

Moore said: 'I hope to run him but I won`t make a definite decision until Thursday.

'I expect if he runs Conor O`Dwyer will ride him.'

And when asked to compare Fadoudal Du Cochet with his 1998 winner Moore said: 'He hasn`t proved himself as good a horse as Jeffell yet.'

Tiutchev, Rockforce and Catfish Keith were the only withdrawals, leaving a total of 15 horses left in the Stg#60,000 contest.

The weights are set to go up 15lb with Wahiba Sands heading the handicap on 11st 10lb.

And with the lowest weight to be 10st 4lb ante-post favourite Young Devereaux is 7lb out of the handicap and Tim Easterby`s northern raider Turgeonev 8lb `wrong`.

Get Real is second-favourite on the strength of his three-quarters of a length second to Wahiba Sands at Ascot last month, whom he meets on 4lb better terms on Saturday.

Redemption, third that day, is also reported on course to overturn the form with his old rivals.

Victor Chandler`s betting: 2-1 Young Devereaux, 9-2 Get Real, 6-1 Wahiba Sands, 7-1 Exit Swinger, Redemption, 8-1 Turgeonev, 14-1 Davoski, 16-1 Fadoudal du Cochet, Cenkos, 20-1 Killultagh Storm, Wave Rock, 25-1 Barnburgh Boy, 33-1 Lord York, Tresor De Mai, 250-1 Calon Lan.