Ascot's Christmas racing weekend kicks off with an impressive Grade Two Noel Novice Chase, with action also from Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton, all live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday.
3.05 Ascot – Johnnywho and Rare Edition Title Second Grade
A feature of Friday's six-race Grade Two Ascot card Howden Noel Novices' Chase (3.05)seems like an ideal place for exciting Johnnywho to continue the winning way over the fences.
The Jonjo and AJ O'Neil runner made the perfect start to life over the bigger hurdles, winning comfortably at Carlisle before finishing a respectable third behind The Jukebox Man in Grade Two company at Newbury last time.
Rare Edition is another who has progressed over fences, winning on debut before racing home Bucksy Des Epeires while carrying heavy weight at Ascot. He has some catching up to do on official ratings, but should be in the mix under David Bass.
Gold mark showed useful form in the hurdles and rates an exciting competitor on his fencing bow, while Ben Pauling Personal Ambition cannot be turned off.
1.55 Ascot – Recent winner Iberico Lord faces three rivals
Considered good enough to score at the Championship Hurdle last season, Iberian Lord will offer to be two of two over the fence in Howden Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (1.55).
The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old won both the Greatwood Hurdle and the Betfair Hurdle in a superb season over minor hurdles. He debuted in a winning chase at Kempton last month, but that contest has been eased by the withdrawal of his main market rival, so we'll find out more here as he loses weight all round.
Western Zephyr raced home the Arkle fancy L'Eau du Sud in Grade Two company at Cheltenham last month and a repeat of that effort would see him do well at this drop in grade.
Fergal O'Brien's Ryan's Rocket scored on his first start over fences at Chepstow and could be competitive at 7lbs. Here it is, Georgie completes the field for Patrick Neville.
Iberico Lord jumps to victory at Kempton on his chase debut
3.40 Ascot – Moneygarrow and no drama This is the end of the above discussion
The Listed King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open National Hunt Flat Race (3.40) produced many fine horses including Shutthefrontdoor, Supasundae and Knappers Hill.
This year, Chepstow the winner Moneygarrowfull brother of Minelle Crooner, is well designed to follow Dan and Harry Skelton.
Paul Nicholls' debut There is no drama in this area he made £160,000 at the March sales at Cheltenham and will be a very interesting watch under Harry Cobden.
Alan King saddles Blues Singer who scored on debut at Kempton before being narrowly denied at this track on his return 28 days ago, and will be popular to close in on Tom Cannon again.
Fresh Perspective impressed with the manner of his success at Uttoxeter early last month and is worth a try in this better race.
Many will be right either way, including Oliver Signy's win at Chepstow It's a cannon and Joe Tizzard Tennessee Tango.
Watch every race from Ascot, Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday 20 December.