Protektorat to bloom again in Fleur De Lys

While he may be 11, Protektorat sets the standard for the others to aim at in the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase at Windsor on Sunday.

Having won the race 12 months ago, it is a quirk of the conditions that he is actually in receipt of weight from the majority of his rivals.

Chief among them is Handstands, with trainer Ben Pauling making no secret of the regard in which he holds him.

And while he has showcased his true ability when beating Jango Baie in last year's Scilly Isles, he needs to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the Betfair Chase and he might struggle giving Protektorat 8lb.

Dan Skelton has had this £165,000 contest as Protektorat's main aim all season and the trainer has been brilliant at picking the most valuable races each horse in his stable can win, with this appearing to be another example.

In search of that illusive first championship, every penny counts for Skelton and Mirabad can earn another good chunk in the Fitzdares Extra Places Every Day Great Park Handicap Chase.

A decent hurdler for Dr Richard Newland, he is already a better chaser as showcased by his fine effort in Grade Two company at Kempton over Christmas when third to the progressive Mambonumberfive.

A keen-going sort, he might be hard to peg back.

The Skeltons could also be on the mark with Harry Lowes in the Royal Windsor Horse Show Cup Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

He was a beaten odds-on favourite last time out but it is too early to be giving up on him.

Having beaten Mighty Park - who arguably looks Willie Mullins' first string for the Supreme at this stage - in an Irish point, JP McManus bought him and he won on his rules debut at Exeter.

His jumping left a lot to be desired at Market Rasen but the winner went on to run well in the Grade One Challow, so there was no real disgrace in being beaten.

The key horse in the Grade Two Hampton Novices' Chase is Olly Murphy's Wade Out and if the unusual nature of the track keeps him interested, he should be hard to beat given his two wins over fences represent some very strong form.

However, he never went a yard at Cheltenham last time out and it was surely another ride of the season contender from Sean Bowen that managed to get him home in front.

He is not a natural jumper and if he gets behind here it will be harder to make up the ground and with Salver having had a hard race just over two weeks ago at Kempton, Moon Rocket could be the safest conveyance.

A two-runner race at Doncaster last time out would not have suited him but in a better class of race, the likely stronger pace should suit.

Christian Williams is another trainer who does not miss by much when he targets a race and Lord Snootie holds claims on his best form if on a going day in the Weatherbys Racing Bank Handicap Hurdle.

The exciting Bass Hunter can book his place in one of the spring festival bumpers by winning for a third time in the Dave Marley RIP You Legend Open National Hunt Flat Race.

Chris Gordon's six-year-old still looks a bit of a shell but he possesses a huge engine based on his performances to date.

A little free last time, Gordon will be hoping his son Freddie can hold on to him a bit longer to educate him with bigger prizes ahead.

Neil Mulholland's Sainte Doctor looks to hold solid claims in the Gamble Plant (Norfolk) Ltd Queen Boudicca Series Final Mares' Handicap Chase at Fakenham. - Press Association

SELECTIONS:

FAKENHAM: Race 1 - 14.30 Lusso Milan, Race 2 - 15.00 Castanea Breeze, Race 3 - 15.30 Clay Pigeons, Race 4 - 16.05 Looking As You Are, Race 5 - 16.40 Sainte Doctor, Race 6 - 17.10 Little Wren, Race 7 - 17.45 Lultimatom.

THURLES: Race 1 - 14.40 Forty Coats, Race 2 - 15.10 Espresso Milan, Race 3 - 15.40 Chichester Park, Race 4 - 16.15 Jade De Grugy, Race 5 - 16.50 Rising Dust, Race 6 - 17.20 James Du Berlais, Race 7 - 17.55 Willitgoahead.

WINDSOR: Race 1 - 14.20 Penn Avenue, Race 2 - 14.50 Harry Lowes, Race 3 - 15.20 Moon Rocket, Race 4 - 15.50 Mirabad, Race 5 - 16.25 Lord Snootie, Race 6 - 17.00 PROTEKTORAT (NAP), Race 7 - 17.35 Special John, Race 8 - 18.05 Bass Hunter.