14:05 Ascot

The favourite L’Homme Presse looks vulnerable at a short price and preference goes to the Paul Nicholls trained SAINT CALVADOS (best priced at 3/1) who is having his first run for David Maxwell. The nine-year-old won the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase on his final start last season by 16 lengths and a repeat of that effort would see him push the favourite close.

The Paul Nicholls stable remain in fantastic form with them currently operating at a 29% strike rate and that is quite the opposite to the Venetia Williams stable who haven’t had a winner in the previous 211 days and 38 runners. Giving 3lbs to a rival rated 3lbs higher won’t make it easy for Saint Calvados but I feel the price discrepancy is too big.

Saint Calvados - 1pt @ 3/1

15:15 Ascot

Another Paul Nicholls trained runner who I feel has a big chance today is THYME WHITE (best priced at 5/1) who comes into this race following an impressive win over course and distance last time. The progressive six-year-old ran well to finish 2nd here last season off a mark of 142 before winning off the same mark on his reappearance by 4 ¾ lengths.

Thyme White was prone to novicey jumping mistakes last season but he was foot perfect last time and he should prove hard to beat off a 7lb higher mark if he is able to replicate that jumping display.

Thyme White - 1pt @ 5/1

15:35 Haydock

This field is full of old favourites but I feel they will struggle to give weight to the progressive HOUSTON TEXAS (best priced at 7/2). The Nicky Richards trained eight-year-old won his final two starts last season at Carlisle over further than 3 miles on soft ground before winning over 3m2f at Carlisle once again on his reappearance this season on soft ground.

The handicapper has raised Houston Texas 6lbs for his latest victory but the winning distance of 1 ¾ lengths doesn’t do him justice and he is expected to cope with this step up in class.

Houston Texas - 1pt @ 7/2