Nicky Henderson yesterday conceded that Get Real faces a tough task as he defends his outstanding record at Ascot in the Victor Chandler Chase on Saturday.

The nine-year-old, second to Call Equiname in this contest at Kempton last season, has already won three races at the Berkshire course this season,

"It looks the handicapper might have got to him but we have to give it a go. He worked this morning and he's in good order," Henderson said.

"Unfortunately there's not many suitable races for him as he likes it right-handed and Ascot is his favourite course so we have to have a go this weekend."

Get Real likes to front run and the presence of several other pacesetters will not be a help to him in the £50,000 handicap.

"It's going to be a tough race for him and it looks like he might be pushed to get away from the others," said Henderson.

"After he runs at Ascot he'll be having a decent break and we'll bring him back for the big meeting at Punchestown in April." Norman Williamson has yet to decide who he will ride in the big Ascot chase. The jockey has been linked both to the Venetia Williams-trained Nordance Prince and to Direct Route from the Howard Johnson stable.

However, both trainers will wait before confirming their riding arrangements.

Williamson's agent Dave Roberts said yesterday: "There is no decision yet.

"I spoke to Norman earlier today and he said he hadn't made his mind up."

Howard Johnson could use Richard Johnson aboard Direct Route should Williamson be unavailable, his namesake having ridden the gelding in a racecourse gallop at Musselburgh last week.

Johnson was also aboard Nordance Prince when the nine-year-old won the First National Gold Cup at Ascot in November.