Doncaster set to host head-to-head as only two are declared for novice chase

The three-mile novice chase at Doncaster on Thursday has turned into a head-to-head clash after only two horses were declared.

The Philip Kirby-trained Top Ville Ben and Alan King-trained Chosen Path, both of whom won last time out, are the only contenders in the Class 4 contest, which previously attracted three runners in both 2017 and 2018.

The race has not lacked quality in previous years, with Might Bite and Dingo Dollar among the winners, nor has it this year, but clerk of the course Roderick Duncan believes the field size is more down to the type of race than anything else.

He said on Wednesday: "This type of thing happens in novice chases quite often, it’s more of a symptom of novice races than Doncaster."

Top Ville Ben will be looking to make it three wins in a row heading into the Cheltenham Festival for Philip KirbyCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Kirby said Top Ville Ben having just one rival did not perturb him and that getting further experience into him was the priority before the Cheltenham Festival for which he is a general 33-1 shot for the RSA Chase.

He said: "The plan was to get another run into him before he goes to Cheltenham. I’m not too worried about there being only two runners.

"We always thought it would be a small field, so it’s another nice experience for him more than anything. I just want him to enjoy himself again."

Chosen Path will be partnered by Wayne Hutchinson and the pair will be looking to bolster their impressive record of three wins from five runs together.

King said: "He put up a good performance in a novice handicap at Newbury last time and is in good order. He should be suited by this three-mile trip."

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