A cracking two-day meeting takes place at Ascot across Friday and Saturday, including the final pre-Christmas Grade 1 via Saturday's Long Walk Hurdle.

Ahead of that, there is a quality six-race card on Friday at Ascot from 12.35pm-3.30pm, including the much-heralded novice hurdler Jonbon taking a step up in class for trainer Nicky Henderson. 

Conditions are set to be 'Soft-good to soft in places' and we have selected five horses for you to follow. 

12.35pm - Howden Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (2m5½f) 

Dargiannini went close at Taunton last month on just his second start after joining Paul Nicholls and he's almost certainly got room for further progress from 2lb higher. 

It is more than a year since Shantou Master was spotted on a racecourse but Gary Moore's charge is another to be noted. 

The vote is reserved for handicap debutant EARTH LORD, however. Philip Hobbs' charge had lots to spare on reappearance last month in a Wincanton novice over a similar trip and could make further gain now. 

LiveScore selection: Earth Lord 

1.45pm - Howden Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (2m½f) 

Brave Seasca showed improved form to score last week at Warwick (2m, soft) for Venetia Williams and a 5lb penalty isn't certain to prevent him adding another win. 

Karl Philippe, One True King and Red Rookie are all viable threats, as may be THYME WHITE for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. 

He did not perhaps fulfil his potential as a hurdler last term but following a summer wind op, his Wincanton chasing bow second behind Amarillo Sky was solid. 

The re-opposing winner had the run of that race and Thyme White is 3lb better off now over an increased trip. 

LiveScore selection: Thyme White 

2.20pm - Howden Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2, 1m7½f) 

All eyes on JONBON here, the half-million brother to Douvan. He's won a point-to-point, a bumper and a maiden hurdle thus far. 

He has not been as flashy as stablemate Constitution Hill was at Sandown recently but he has done little wrong either and he might only be going through the motions. 

All four of his rivals today are capable of exposing any chinks that might be in his armour. 

LiveScore selection: Jonbon 

2.55pm - Howden Noel Novices' Chase (Grade 2, 2m3f) 

PIC D'ORHY was well on his way to scoring in this grade at Newbury last month only to come down four from home. 

Paul Nicholls' charge was a Betfair Hurdle winner in 2020 and should prove himself a very smart novice chaser this season with lots of experience to stand to him. 

He was fourth in this contest a year ago but may do much better now. Dan Skelton's recent C&D winner Faivoir joins the likes of Gladiateur Allen and Fifty Ball in bringing plenty of depth to the contest. 

LiveScore selection: Pic D'Orhy 

3.30pm - Lexicon Recruitment Championship Open NH Flat Race (Listed, 1m7½f) 

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls fires a pair of once-raced bumper winners at the prize in HENRI THE SECOND and Hugos New Horse. 

The former was well on top at the finish line in his Chepstow success in October and looks the pick of the Ditcheat pair. 

Emma Lavelle's Top Dog chased home a next-time-out Listed winner at Cheltenham's Showcase Meeting and could prove the main danger. 

LiveScore selection: Henri The Second