JEWEL IN THE CROWN
LOUGH DERG JEWEL (2.15) can shine for in-form Donald McCain in the Racing UK Novice Chase at Ayr.
The six-year-old was a useful hurdler and showed he would be even better over fences when cruising home on his debut over course and distance last month.
The gelding jumped well that day and there should be plenty more to come from this ex-pointer in his new career.
ARCTIC VODKA (12.35) can pay for a few rounds in the Racing UK Handicap Hurdle. Sharon Watt’s gelding showed some encouraging form in novice company and looks the type to do damage sent handicapping.
NAKADAM (1.05) can be a popular winner for local handler Mike Smith in the three-miler. The seven-year-old was a good second to the progressive Acdc over course and distance recently and can go one better off an unchanged mark.
Nicky Richards can bag his customary winner at Ayr with ECHO EXPRESS (2.50). The fiveyear-old has taken well to timber and can build on his decent third in a hot Hexham novice event switched to handicap company.
DIVINE SPEAR (1.20) can kick off another profitable day at Ascot for Nicky Henderson.
Useful over hurdles, the gelding scored in style on his chasing debut over 2m 3f at Catterick and can follow up down in trip.
Henderson can also take the Supreme Trial Hurdle with CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN (1.55). The talented bumper performer improved again when bolting up on his timber bow at Newbury and looks another class act for the champion trainer.
WHISKEY IN THE JAR (12.45) can shade a trappy maiden. The five-year-old showed plenty of ability in bumpers and caught the eye when runner-up to Don’t Ask on his hurdling debut at Bangor.
Gary Moore’s BENATAR (2.30) looks a value bet in the Noel Novices’ Chase. The five-year-old has oozed class when landing his first two outings over fences and can shock hot favourite Finian’s Oscar at today’s weights.
SKY PIRATE (3.05) can plunder the conditionals event. The four-year-old was unlucky to encounter runaway winner Marten at Southwell last time and remains unexposed over timber.
■ Nicky Henderson’s Reigning Champion Buveur D’Air heads six entries for the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.
The handler’s antepost jolly Beware The Bear features among 33 declarations for the Welsh National at Chepstow a day later.