22nd December 2012

Yesterday's racing certainly did not disappoint, with Simonsig and Puffin Billy laying down big Cheltenham markers for their respective races. It was hard not to be impressed with both, but a full run down will be available on Cheltenham Watch once the weekend is over. Moving on to today's cards and there is some really good action to get our teeth into. Haydock has a precautionary morning inspection, but at the moment the signs are very good and racing should be taking place there to compliment the great card at Ascot.

14.00 Ascot

The unfortunate absence of Big Buck's means this Grade 1 prize is wide open and someone will be hoping their horse can stake a claim for the World Hurdle prize in March. Smad Place seems the obvious starting point, coming third at Cheltenham last season before disappointing on his reappearance when favourite at Wetherby 49 days ago. He's been given plenty of time to rediscover his form, but in the testing conditions I will be looking to take him on. Paul Nicholls runs Prospect Wells in a bid to fill the void left by Big Buck's. He's been stepped up in trip after a season of being a reasonably high class two miler, and consequently is watched rather than backed on this outing. Reve De Sivola showed his staying qualities when second behind Big Buck's at Newbury, but instead TRUSTAN TIMES is taken to land the hattrick and follow up on his recent  Fixed Brush Hurdle win. He has room for improvement and in this weak Grade 1 affair can take the step up from handicap company. His ability to stay is also undoubted and he should put up a good display here. 10/3 William Hill

14.35 Ascot

After his inteded reappearance in the Peterborough Chase was scrapped, there's little reason to oppose HEY BIG SPENDER, who was advised to win that day. Today's 3 mile trip and soft conditions will suit him more than that encounter would have and his good record fresh instills further confidence. It won't be an easy task though, with recent course winner Roberto Goldback and Hold On Julio involved after differeing fortunes in the Hennessey. The former fell with much of the race left whilst the latter gets to race off a 2 pound lower mark after coming a reasonable fifth that day. Both should be involved but the selection is preferred for his proven performance in testing conditions. Ackertac returns to Ascot after winning last time out around the Berkshire venue, but this trip may just be beyond him today. 9/2 William Hill

15.10 Ascot

The feature race of the day, as always with a competitive handicap many are in with a chance. Working down the racecard, Petit Robin looks to continue his resurgance over hurdles, and enjoys a handy 7 pound claimer, but others make more appeal today. Balder Success, a course and distance winner, is currently favourite and will have no problem with the going. Olofi, the recent Racing Post Hurdle winner, has to defy a career high mark to win today, and on top of that is worse off with some of his rivals today, primarily CASH AND GO who is chosen here. First choice by Geraghty, he is 4 pounds better off with Olofi today, he will have no problem dealing with the heavy going and this Grade 1 winner can take the big prize today. Of the rest Rattan, Ranjaan, It's A Gimme, Into Wain and Lyvius will all have their supporters, with the latter of those 5 most likely to get involved today. 8/1 Totesport, William Hill, Betfred

15.40 Ascot

ULCK DU LIN has to cope with a 10 pound rise for his win at Newbury three weeks ago, and although at the bottom of the weights that day, you got the feeling there was more to come from him and this mark should be well within his range. Vino Griego, Gus Macrae and My Brother Sylveste can all be given a chance, but the main threat may come from Majala who should find this easier than some of his recent encounters and looks a good each way bet. 7/4 Paddy Power, Betvictor, Bet365

13.10 Haydock

Of today's selections, this is one of the more tentative ones. The race seems to narrow down on bare form to She Ranks Me and DANCINGTILMIDNIGHT based on good runs by the pair at Newbury in separate races. The former was unfancied before using her stamina to account for her opposition, and today's step up in trip is therefore sure to suit. However in the selection she faces another who should relish the trip and should have no problem with conditions, and consequently in receipt of 5 pounds I just fancy Harry Fry's mare to take this. Although these two appeal most, Alder Mairi, Hannah Jacques and Scholastica arrive with winning form but the featured pair's class should shine through. 11/4 Bet 365, Paddy Power

13.45 Haydock

Donald McCain is always a huge supporter of northern meetings, and if he fails to land the spoils with She Ranks Me in the previous race, then HOLLOW TREE can certainly be given a favourite's chance in this encounter. We know how good this horse is from his form last year and this move into handicap company shouldn't prevent him from returning to the winners enclosure. He may have to carry top weight, but he is one of the best hurdlers in testing ground and I'm not sure many in this race should be as close as they are on official ratings to him today. Mwaleshi is the obvious contender, seeking a fourth win and coping with a huge 30 pounds rise in the weights last time to win at Wetherby easily. He's up another 13 pounds today and arguably may not have reached his ceiling yet, but against Hollow Tree this looks a big ask, even with his claimer on board. Bakbenscher disappointed last time out when fancied at Newbury and therefore has a bit to prove. 4/1William Hill, Paddy Power

14.15 Haydock

After taking a chance in the Betfair Chase, CANNINGTON BROOK was unable to win in handicap company at Chepstow, but back around his favourite track in ideal conditions he can follow up on last year's victory. Although rated 14 pounds higher than when he won this race last year, this mark is certainly within his reach, and if well there's little doubt he should be involved at the finish. Mumbles Head and Carrickboy race after trying their hand over Aintree's National fences. Of the two the former is preferred whilst Merry King is entitled to perform well after the form of his second behind Rolling Aces was franked earlier this week. 6/1 Paddy Power

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer