Bravemansgame is the marginal pick in what looks a competitive renewal of the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby on Saturday.
A case could be made for almost every runner in this Grade Two affair, but the withdrawal of Grey Dawning on Friday makes it an easier task for the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding.
The nine-year-old loves it here and he was an impressive winner of this race in 2022, before finding only Gentlemansgame too good when picking up the silver medal in last year’s renewal.
He failed to recapture his best form last season, but he has a good record when fresh and now could be a good time to catch him on the back of a wind operation.
Kateira can go well for the in-form Dan Skelton in the bet365 Hurdle. She rounded off last term with a Grade Three handicap win at Aintree, and while 4800m is a question mark her mares' allowance puts her right in the mix.
Luccia can improve on last year's second in the bet365 Mares' Hurdle.
She went on to land a big handicap prize at Ascot last December and ran a cracker when third in the Champion Hurdle, at a time when trainer Nicky Henderson's yard was desperately out of form.
4000m looked a stretch subsequently in the Aintree Hurdle but back at 3200m here, Luccia can start on a winning note.
Neon Moon can go well at a decent price in the Sodexo Live! Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Ascot.
Running from out of the weights on his return at Chepstow, he clearly felt the full benefit of a summer wind surgery as he grabbed the lead at the last and galloped out a length-and-a-half winner.
Raised 4-points for that success, he might still have a little more to give.
Eydon can secure his first win since April 2022 in the German Group One Racecourses James Seymour Stakes at Newmarket.
His lengthy winless spell is not really a fair reflection of his ability as after finishing fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago, he was then off the track for 665 days, during which time he switched from Roger Varian to Andrew Balding.
An inauspicious start when last of six at Southwell in February saw him spend another lengthy spell on the sidelines, with his 210-day absence ended with a narrow second at Ayr in September.
He should surely take a step forward from that run, when he looked a bit rusty in being slow to break and good ground will definitely suit.
Protest makes a late dash for Listed honours in the British EBF Montrose Fillies' Stakes.
While only workmanlike in a debut win at Chelmsford at the start of October, she looked potentially useful and hails from a fine family that includes Golden Horde and Camille Pissarro.
It is Ladbrokes Champion Chase day at Down Royal and Hewick can spring a minor surprise.
He has the benefit of a race under his belt already this term, when not disgraced in conceding weight all round in third at Punchestown, and sound conditions will be in his favour. Press Association
SELECTIONS:
ASCOT: 14.55 Nachtgeist, 15.30 Bhaloo, 16.05 Martator, 16.35 Tripoli Flyer, 17.15 Tapley, 17.45 Neon Moon, 18.20 Youdecide.
AYR: 14.48 Northern Air, 1523 Ironhill, 15.58 Shoeshine Boy, 16.29 White Rhino, 17.05 Ridin Solo, 17.39 Doyen Du Bar.
DOWN ROYAL: 14.25 Lakota Blue, 15.00 Grey Fable, 15.35 Brucio, 16.10 Banjaxed, 16.40 Hewick, 17.20 Pinkerton, 17.50 Classical Creek.
NEWMARKET: 14.00 Swiss Lightning, 14.32 Sea Poetry, 15.07 Harry's Halo, 15.42 Grecian Legacy, 16.17 Bullet Point, 16.50 Protest, 17.27 Eydon, 18.00 Hodler.
SOUTHWELL: 18.15 Sun Dancer Girl, 18.50 Khangai, 19.20 Turbo Command, 19.50 Yoshimi, 20.20 Sky Advocate, 20.50 Navello, 21.25 Silver Sword, 22.00 Mae Amor, 22.30 Drifts Away.
WETHERBY: 14.40 Marlacoo, 15.15 Choosethenews, 15.50 Luccia, 16.22 Kateira, 16.58 BRAVEMANSGAME(NAP), 17.32 Goblet Of Fire, 18.08 Itso Fury.