Pearl has Ascot option Florida Pearl, winner of the Pertemps King George VI Chase, heads trainer Willie Mullins` three entries in the Ritz Club Ascot Chase.Mullins has fellow Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup hope Alexander Banquet and Killultagh Storm in the 23-strong field for the extended two miles and three furlongs contest on February 16th.Ted Walsh also has two horses in the line-up with Commanche Court and the 1999 Martell Grand National winner Papillon set to be his representatives.Last year`s winner Tiutchev, trained by Nicky Henderson, could head the home contingent along with the 2001 runner-up Celibate.Venetia Williams may be double-handed with both the promising Davoski and former Victor Chandler Chase winner Nordance Prince among the entries.Nick Smith, head of public relations at Ascot, is thrilled with the standard of the field and is looking forward to an exciting contest.He said: 'The Ritz Club Ascot Chase is often a good pointer to the Cheltenham Festival, both in terms of the Gold Cup and Champion Chase.'This year the entries look well up to standard with several of the top Irish horses clearly being considered.'
