Today on Sky Sports Racing: Johnnywho and Rare Edition clash as Ascot's Christmas Weekend begins on Friday – Sky Sports

Racing
Betfair Hurdle winner Iberico Lord bidding to make it two from two over fences at Ascot on Friday; watch every race from Ascot, Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton – 31 in total – all live on Sky Sports Racing
Thursday 19 December 2024 16:57, UK
Ascot’s Christmas Racing Weekend begins with a tight-looking Grade Two Noel Novices’ Chase, with action also from Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton, all live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday.
The feature of Ascot’s six-race card on Friday, the Grade Two Howden Noel Novices’ Chase (3.05), looks an ideal spot for the exciting Johnnywho to resume winning ways over fences.
Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s runner made a perfect start to life over the larger obstacles, winning comfortably at Carlisle before finishing a respectable third behind The Jukebox Man in Grade Two company at Newbury last time.
Rare Edition is another who has thrived over fences, winning on debut before chasing home Bucksy Des Epeires when carrying a big weight at Ascot. He has a bit to find on official ratings but should be in the mix under David Bass.
Mark Of Gold showed some useful form over hurdles and rates an exciting contender on his fencing bow, while Ben Pauling’s Personal Ambition cannot be ruled out.
Considered good enough for a shot at the Champion Hurdle last season, Iberico Lord will bid to make it two from two over fences in the Howden Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (1.55).
The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old claimed both the Greatwood Hurdle and Betfair Hurdle in a splendid season over the smaller obstacles. He made a winning chase debut at Kempton last month but that contest was made easier by his main market rival being pulled up, so we will learn more here as he concedes weight all round.
Full racecards
Il Est Francais given green light for King George on Boxing Day
Western Zephyr chased home Arkle fancy L’Eau du Sud in Grade Two company at Cheltenham last month and a repeat of that effort would see him go well on this drop in class.
Fergal O’Brien’s Ryan’s Rocket scored on his first start over fences at Chepstow and could be competitive off a 7lb higher mark. Here Comes Georgie completes the field for Patrick Neville.
The Listed King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open National Hunt Flat Race (3.40) has produced plenty of good horses, including Shutthefrontdoor, Supasundae and Knappers Hill.
This year, Chepstow winner Moneygarrow, a full brother to Minella Crooner, is well fancied to follow up for Dan and Harry Skelton.
Paul Nicholls’ debutant No Drama This End cost £160,000 at the Cheltenham March sales and will be a very interesting watch under Harry Cobden.
Alan King saddles Blues Singer who scored on debut at Kempton before being narrowly denied at this track on his return 28 days ago, and he will be popular to go close again under Tom Cannon.
Fresh Perspective impressed with the manner of his Uttoxeter success at the start of last month and is worth a crack at this better race.
Plenty will have each-way claims, including Oliver Signy’s Chepstow victor It’s Top and Joe Tizzard’s Tennessee Tango.
Watch every race from Ascot, Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton all live on Sky Sports Racing on Friday December 20.
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