Al Ferof and Finian's Rainbow in Victor Chandler Shoot Out

It's finally down to a talented group of eight contenders in the 2012 Victor Chandler Chase but it appears as though the leading pair are getting the bulk of the play as both of their prices continue to drop. Both Finian's Rainbow and Paul Nicholls' Al Ferof have been taking money over the past few days and looking especially sharp as we head towards Saturday's big feature contest at Ascot Racecourse.

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Barry Geraghty is confirmed once again for the ride on Finian's and they'll be looking to build on the impressive effort he put together on his seasonal debut at Kempton in the Grade 2 Desert Orchid Stakes.

It was fairly clear on the day that Finian's Rainbow wasn't even pushed as hard as he needed to be and he opened up that contest with a very slow pace and was able to capitalize on the run-in. I don't expect a huge amount of early pace in this 2m1f contest and, if connections choose to deploy a similar style, then it may play to Al Ferof who prefers to stalk the pace and unleash a decisive move a few fences from the line.

Ruby Walsh is set for the ride on Al Ferof and he'll be looking to deliver the sixth score on the bounce for the talented seven-year-old grey. He's had two outings so far this year and looked especially sharp in his seasonal debut at Cheltenham when he conquered a tricky field of novices by 7 lengths. He then grabbed a Grade 1 contest at Sandown by a slim neck when sent off as the 4/11 favourite.

A wager on Al Ferof is essentially declaring that he'll be able to pull off a score against more accomplished company than he has faced in the past.

Al Ferof has been bet down to a range of about 3/1 while Finian's Rainbow, the more accomplished contender, is priced at a slim 15/8.

There are only a few potential spoilers in the mix here and Forpadydeplasterer is set to line up for this one while commanding a 14/1 listing. He's just not scored in a while but is usually in the mix for the place and will be worth a look for that selection. Gauvain is listed at a 9/1 listing and represents a genuine challenge, especially coming in off a Grade 2 score at Huntingdon.

The other key spoiler is Somersby, who is looking at his fifth run of the season and a respectable fourth place finish to living-legend Kauto Star in the King George – look for him to take some more money at his 6/1 listing.