Tiutchev faces five in Ritz

Tiutchev will face five rivals as he puts his Cheltenham Festival credentials on line in the Ritz Club Ascot Chase tomorrow.

Nicky Henderson`s nine-year-old scored an impressive win in a two mile chase at Sandown earlier this month on his return from a long lay-off due to colic.

Although he did not have much to beat that day, Tiutchev won easily by 12 lengths despite giving two stone to the runner-up Abalvino.

Mick Fitzgerald will continue his partnership with Tiutchev at Ascot and he is pleased with the progress the horse has made since the last campaign.

He told the Racing Channel: 'He seems a reformed character this year. He won here at Sandown very, very easily carrying top weight in a competitive handicap and it was a very fast time.

'He seems in great shape. Joey Fallon knows him better than anybody and he says he`s in good form so that`s good enough for me.

'We`re hoping this is another step towards the Queen Mother and that`s his ultimate aim.'

Banker Count from Venetia Williams` yard is one of the five other horses that will line up against Tiutchev.

The 10-year-old was third to Red Striker in the Grade 2 Bet Direct Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock last time out and on his run before that he won the Cumbrian Challenge Handicap at Wetherby.

Fitzgerald has been impressed by Banker Count`s recent form and rates him as one of the main challenges to his mount.

He added: 'I think he is a decent horse. He looked very good at Haydock last time and possibly hit the front a little bit early and seemed to pull up a touch then.

'I think this is probably Banker Count`s best trip and he`s been fantastic around Wetherby in some good races so he`s no back number.'

Paul Nicholls will send out two runners for the Stg£65,000 contest, Exit To Wave and Whitenzo, who finished a good second to Upgrade at Wincanton nine days ago.

Tresor De Mai is Martin Pipe`s representative, while Celibate from Charlie Mann`s yard makes up the field of six.