Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday November 20

What looks to be a fascinating novices hurdle (14:00) is under consideration first, with Prince Siegfried and Long Lunch likely to put up improved performances from what they've shown previously. However it may well end up as a match between smart prospects Volnay de Thaix and Irving, both of whom have been impressive in this sphere so far. Nicky Henderson's charge was entitled to win as easily as he did last time at Newbury in what was a weak contest, but was highly impressive when bolting up at Kempton on his British debut. There is likely to be little between the pair but narrow preference goes to Irving, who was a useful flat performer and has made an impressive start for Paul Nicholls. He won well at Taunton on his first outing and was equally impressive over today's C&D last time; that experience, when he had a highly capable Seven Barrows runner back in third, can stand him in good stead today.

It's the Grade 2 Noel Novices' Chase up next (14:35) in which Fox Appeal looks the best bet after going close to beating Wonderful Charm at Wincanton. Everybody knows Mr Mole has ability, but he is such an enigmatic character that he cannot be backed with any confidence despite having McCoy in the saddle again today (his Warwick ride was a masterpiece). It is better to side with Emma Lavelle's runner, who was progressive over hurdles and does not have as talented a rival as he's faced over his two starts thus far to cope with today. As a result he is expected to record his first win in this sphere and continue the excellent run of form for his rejuvenated handler. Raya Star, who has jumped well so far, is one to watch stepping up in trip. 

We assess the concluding bumper for our final bet of the day (15:40) and Carningli leaps off the page as the most likely winner; he stepped up markedly on previous form when beating Chase The Wind at Cheltenham's October meeting, and was far from disgraced when finding only the promising Red Sherlock too strong in the listed event on Greatwood Hurdle day. The A P McCoy and Rebecca Curtis axis is one to be respected, and it would be no surprise to see the selection continue his excellent run of form and get back to winning ways. There are dangers however, with this looking one of the more high quality bumpers we've seen so far this season, with Nathans Pride and Chepstow scorer Oscarteea heading an extensive list.   

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Ascot
Back Irving @ 3.412/5 in the 14:00
Back Fox Appeal @ 2.8815/8 in the 14:35
Back Carningli @ 2.9215/8 in the 15:40