Timeform UK SmartPlays: Saturday December 20

The Tourad Man - 12:45 Ascot

Plenty of unexposed sorts on show, notably The Tourard Man, Wizards Bridge, Rascal, Spookydooky and Flintham, the first-named taken to come out on top having knuckled down well to score at Southwell earlier this month.

Last Shot - 13:50 Ascot

Last year's winner Lancetto has more on his plate to make a successful defence of his crown. Nonetheless, he is respected, alongside Ballygarvey, who reappears belatedly on a workable mark for an in-form yard, but Last Shot appeared to be coming to the boil when third at Ludlow recently and may prove the most solid option.

Shelford - 15:30 Ascot

Activial fluffed his lines in the Grade 1 juvenile at Aintree's Grand National meeting, though he remains a hurdler of some potential, while Pine Creek's fifth-placed effort in last month's Greatwood Hurdle suggests he's still not fully exposed in this sphere. However, preference is for Shelford, who has been improving with each start over timber, and will relish a test of stamina at this trip.

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Ascot

Back The Tourad Man in the 12:45
Back Last Shot in the 13:50
Back Shelford in the 15:30