The Christmas Racing Weekend at Ascot kicks off with a tight Noel Novices Grade Two run, with action also from Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton, all live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday.
3.05 Ascot – Johnnywho and Phase Two's flagship Rare Edition
The feature of Friday's six-race Ascot card, the Stage Two Howden Noel Novices ran (3.05)looks like an ideal place for the interesting ones Johnny who to win ways again over fences.
The Jonjo and AJ O'Neill runner made a fine start to life over the biggest hurdles, winning comfortably at Carlisle before finishing a respectable third behind The Jukebox Man in Grade Two at Newbury last time.
An unusual edition another who has had success over fences, winning on debut before running Bucksy Des Epeires home when carrying heavy weight at Ascot. He has a bit to find on official rankings but should be in the mix under David Bass.
Mark of Gold showed some useful form over hurdles and proved an interesting competitor on his fencing bow, while Ben Pauling Personal Desire it cannot be eliminated.
1.55 Ascot – Recent Iberico Lord winner against three rivals
Considered good enough for a shot at the Champion Hurdle last season, Lord of Iberia he will offer to do two by two over fences in the Howden Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (1.55).
The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old claimed both the Greatwood Hurdle and Betfair Hurdle in a superb season over the smaller hurdles. He made his successful debut at Kempton last month, but that contest was made easier by his main market rival being pulled up, so we'll learn more the this while admitting stress all the time.
Western Zephyr He chased Arkle fancy L'Eau du Sud home in Grade Two company at Cheltenham last month and a repeat of that effort could see him do well in class this fall.
Fergal O'Brien Rocket Ryan scored on his first start over fences at Chepstow and could be competitive off a 7lb higher mark. Here comes Georgie finish the field for Patrick Neville.
Iberico Lord jumps to victory at Kempton on his debut
3.40 Ascot – Moneygarrow or The Drama of This Finish in Recorded Controversy
The List King Edward VII Membership Ascot Open National Flat Hunt Race (3.40) has produced many good horses, including Shutthefrontdoor, Supasundae and Knappers Hill.
This year, Chepstow won Moneygarrowfull brother to Minella Crooner, he has a great desire to follow Dan and Harry Skelton.
Paul Nicholls' first musician There is no drama on this end cost £160,000 at the Cheltenham March sale and will be a very interesting watch under Harry Cobden.
Alan King saddle Blues singer who scored on his debut at Kempton before being largely denied at this track on his return 28 days ago, and will be popular again under Tom Cannon.
A new look delighted with the way he fared at Uttoxeter at the start of last month and is worth a crack at this top race.
There will be many entries each way, including winner Oliver Signy Chepstow It's Top and Joe Tizzard's Tango Tennessee.
Watch all the races from Ascot, Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton all live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday 20th December.
