Timeform Shortlist: Ascot, Sunday 31 March

2.10 Your Bet With Ascot Means More Maiden Hurdle (4) 2m3f58y

Timeform Top Rated
140 8. MY WAY Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
137 10. VOLCANO Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies
135p 1. BADDESLEY PRINCE Chris Gordon Tom Cannon

Analyst's Verdict:
My Way ran a cracker when second in a valuable Kempton handicap hurdle a fortnight ago and has obvious claims if in the same form back in a maiden now. There is a bigger performance to come from Scorpion Haze, and he makes the shortlist along with Baddesley Prince and En Meme Temps.

2.45 Colts & Fillies Club Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (2) 1m7f152y

Timeform Top Rated
142p 7. SCARAMANGA Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
141+ 9. DEADLINE DIVA Paul Nicholls Lorcan Williams (5)
140 14. BOLD REASON Ben Pauling Nico de Boinville

Analyst's Verdict:
This is highly competitive. Scaramanga is very much going the right way and gets the nod for Paul Nicholls with further improvement very much on the cards. Praeceps shaped well in the Fred Winter and should have a big say if this doesn't come too soon on the back of that. Bold Reason took a big step forward when second on handicap bow and is also shortlisted along with northernraider Groveman.

3.20 Geobind Handicap Chase (Qualifier) (3) 2m5f8y

Timeform Top Rated
145 4. FAVORITO BUCK'S Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
144 2. VIVAS Charlie Longsdon Paul O'Brien (3)
143 3. TOWNSHEND Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies

Analyst's Verdict:
Townshend has showed himself in form over hurdles and he looks well treated back over fences based on his efforts for former connections, so he gets a tentative vote in a tricky race with Sam Twiston-Davies taking over. Volt Face looks the one for the forecast.

3.55 First Days Charity Novices' Handicap Chase (2) 2m167y

Timeform Top Rated
158 2. CAPELAND Paul Nicholls Harry Cobden
157 5. EDDIEMAURICE John Flint Jamie Moore
155 4. DENTLEY DE MEE Nick Williams Chester Williams (7)

Analyst's Verdict:
Capeland has improved in good measures in handicap chases this season and could resume winning ways with his sights lowered having contested the JLT last time. Highway One O One will be a big player if allowed his own way in front.

4.30 Sky Sports Racing Veterans' Handicap Chase (Leg 5) (2) 2m7f180y

Timeform Top Rated
158 1. JOSSES HILL Nicky Henderson Nico de Boinville
157 4. LOOSE CHIPS Charlie Longsdon Paul O'Brien (3)
157§ 3. BIGBADJOHN Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies

Analyst's Verdict:
Despite operating from out of the weights it may pay to take a chance on Horatio Hornblower in a wideopen race. This looks set to be run at a good gallop, which should suit Nick Williams' hold-up performer and he can strike late. Josses Hill, following a short break, and last year's winner Rathlin Rose are others to consider.

5.05 Iron Stand Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (3) 2m7f118y

Timeform Top Rated
148 2. KINGS RYDE Nicky Henderson Connor Brace (3)
147 1. GUNFLEET Emma Lavelle Patrick Cowley (3)
146 6. BALLYHEIGUE BAY Chris Gordon Harry Reed

Analyst's Verdict:
Kings Ryde lacked nothing for fitness and made light of a 15-month absence to score on handicap debut at Wincanton earlier this month, staying on to lead final 50 yds. The longer trip promises to be within reach and he is fancied to follow up. Faithful Mount is next best, whilst the return to hurdling may well benefit Gunfleet.

5.40 Go Pointing Open Hunters' Chase (5) 2m7f180y

Timeform Top Rated
127 2. VIRAK Mrs Rose Loxton Miss Natalie Parker (5)
126 5. QUEEN OLIVIA Miss V. Collins Miss Lilly Pinchin (5)
121§ 1. FLAMING CHARMER G. Slade-Jones Mr Charlie Todd (7)

Analyst's Verdict:
Virak has already shown himself well capable at this level and could hardly arrive back under Rules in better form, so he's a confident choice to complete a 4-timer here, acknowledging that Silvergrove could lay down a strong challenge if capturing some of his old spark. In Arrears is another one to consider.