Riding arrangements have been finalised for Direct Route and Nordance Prince, two of the leading fancies in Saturday's Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot.
Norman Williamson had been linked with both horses but today decided to stick with Direct Route, with Tony McCoy stepping in for the ride on Nordance Prince.
Williamson had agonised this week over the choice between Direct Route, third in last year's Queen Mother Champion Chase and twice second to Flagship Uberalles this term, and Nordance Prince, who sprang to prominence this season by landing the First National Gold Cup at Ascot and the Castleford Chase at Wetherby, before reaching his decision this morning.
Explaining why he had elected to stick with Direct Route, Williamson explained: "I admit that Nordance Prince is not only improving, but also very well-handicapped and I know that Direct Route will have to be at the top of his game to beat him.
"It was a difficult decision, but looking at it for the future I went for Direct Route as he has been a grand servant to me."
Direct Route tuned up for Ascot with a gallop at Musselburgh last week in which he was partnered by Richard Johnson, who was standing by for the mount on Howard Johnson's gelding.
Nordance Prince is to carry a 4lb penalty for his Wetherby win taking his weight at Ascot to 9st 13lb, 1lb out of the handicap proper.
The last time Direct Route visited Ascot he put up a lacklustre performance behind the Williamson-ridden Teeton Mill in last season's Comet Chase.
But the Irishman commented: "He was totally wrong that day but it wasn't because he doesn't like Ascot.
"In fact there isn't a huge difference between Ascot and Sandown where he won last season's Tingle Creek Chase as it's uphill for the last half-mile at both courses."
Venetia Williams has found a more than capable deputy for Norman Williamson aboard Nordance Prince in the shape of the champion jockey.
Williams confirmed: "Tony McCoy will ride Nordance Prince on Saturday."
Nordance Prince continues to attract support for the £50,000 prize and has been clipped to 2-1 favourite from 9-4 by Ladbrokes.
Ladbrokes: 2-1 Nordance Prince, 10-3 Flagship Uberalles, 7-2 Direct Route, 6-1 Get Real, 7-1 Aghawadda Gold, 14-1 Potentate, 16-1 Celibate, 20-1 Nipper Reed, 25-1 Chiefs Song, 33-1 Cumbrian Challenge, 40-1 Green Green Desert.
William Hill: 9-4 Nordance Prince, 3-1 Flagship Uberalles, 4-1 Direct Route, 5-1 Get Real, 8-1 Aghawadda Gold, 14-1 Celibate, Potentate, 25-1 Chief's Song, Cumbrian Challenge, Manhattan Castle, Nipper Reed, 33-1 Green Green Desert.
