Shishkin, trained by Nicky Henderson, will face five rivals in the Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday as he steps up in distance to two miles and five furlongs. Shishkin, who was previously unbeaten in his first seven starts over fences, has not been in top form lately and underwent wind surgery. Last year’s winner, Fakir D’oudairies, is defending his title and is considered a danger, along with Paul Nicholls’ Pic D’Orhy, who has won all three of his starts this season. The other runners are First Flow, Aye Right, and Millers Bank. Nicholls believes the race is open and could be a thriller, with Pic D’Orhy in good shape and suited by the ground.