Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday November 23

The opening contest at Ascot provides a strong start to the card, and Nicky Henderson's Minella Forfitness is the one who makes greatest appeal. Well regarded since his days under the care of John Nallen (also responsible for the stable's Minella Class), the son of Westerner was bought for £130,000 after winning a maiden Irish point in April 2011 and created a good impression when winning a bumper on his Rules bow at Kempton in 2011/12. Not discredited when seventh of 19to The New One in the Champion Bumper at Aintree (form which has worked out extremely well), he appeals as the type to make a significant impact over hurdles this season and it would be no surprise were he to contest one of the novice races at the Festival come March.

Switching attention to Haydock and another well-regarded sort catches the eye in the shape of Donald McCain's Clondaw Kaempfer. The Oscar gelding created a fine impression in winning a valuable sales bumper at Fairyhouse in April for Colin Bowe and, sold to present connections for £130,000, looked something out of the ordinary when following up switched to hurdles on his return at Aintree last month, quickening clear impressively on heavy ground. Granted similar conditions this afternoon, he is fancied to take this en route to greater things as the season progresses.

Finally, the now Mick Channon-trained Loch Ba is fancied to land the 15:15 Handicap Chase. A winner over fences when under the care of Henrietta Knight, the Craigsteel gelding showed improved form when winning a nine-runner event at Kempton by 19 lengths on his reappearance earlier this month, travelling strongly and in command some way out. He gives the impression that there may yet be more to come, and he is one to keep on side accordingly.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Minella Forfitness @ 2.3211/8 in the 12:55 at Ascot
Back Clondaw Kaempfer @ 1.865/6 in the 14:30 at Haydock
Back Loch Ba @ 4.3100/30 in the 15:15 at Ascot