At this time on Sky Sports activities Racing: Johnnywho and Uncommon Version battle it out because the Christmas weekend at Ascot begins on Friday | Racing Information

The Ascot Christmas racing weekend begins with an in depth chase of the second-year Christmas Novices, additionally that includes motion from Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton, all stay on Sky Sports activities Racing on Friday.

3.05 Ascot – Johnnywho and Uncommon Version title Grade Two

The characteristic of Ascot’s six-race card on Friday, Grade Two Howden Noel Novices’ Pursuit (3.05)looks like an amazing place for the passionate Johnnywho to get again on the profitable path over obstacles.

The Jonjo and AJ O’Neill runner made an ideal begin to life over the bigger obstacles, profitable comfortably at Carlisle earlier than ending a decent third behind The Jukebox Man in Grade Two Firm at Newbury final day out.

Uncommon version is one other who thrived over fences, profitable on debut earlier than chasing Bucksy Des Epeires whereas carrying heavyweight at Ascot. He has a bit to search out on the official scores however ought to be within the combine beneath David Bass.

Gold Mark has proven helpful kind over hurdles and considers an thrilling contender on his fencing bow, whereas Ben Pauling Private ambition can’t be excluded.

1.55 Ascot – Current winner Iberico Lord faces three rivals

Thought-about ok to take an opportunity on the Champion Hurdle final season, Iberian Lord will try and go two in opposition to two at obstacles within the Howden Novices Restricted Handicap Pursuit (1.55).

The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old received each the Greatwood Hurdle and the Betfair Hurdle throughout a splendid season over smaller obstacles. He made his profitable debut at Kempton final month, however that contest was made simpler by the stopping of his principal rival out there, so we’ll study extra right here as he concedes weight throughout the board.

Western Zephyr chased residence Arkle fancy L’Eau du Sud in second grade firm at Cheltenham final month and a repeat of that effort would see him do nicely on this decreased class.

Fergal O’Brien’s Ryan’s Rocket scored on his first begin over fences at Chepstow and might be aggressive with a 7lb larger mark. That is Georgie completes the sector for Patrick Neville.

3.40 Ascot – Moneygarrow and No Drama This Finish in competition for the Listed

The Checklist King Edward VII Ascot Membership Open Nationwide Hunt Flat Race (3.40) has produced many good horses together with Shutthefrontdoor, Supasundae and Knappers Hill.

This 12 months Chepstow winner Argentgarrowfull brother of Minella Crooner, is nicely thought out to observe Dan and Harry Skelton.

The Newbie by Paul Nicholls No drama this ending price £160,000 on the March gross sales at Cheltenham and might be a really fascinating watch beneath Harry Cobden.

Alan King Saddles Blues singer who scored on his debut at Kempton earlier than being narrowly denied at this observe on his return 28 days in the past, and he might be fashionable to go shut once more beneath the steering of Tom Cannon.

New perspective impressed with the way through which he achieved his success at Uttoxeter early final month and is value a strive at this prime race.

Many may have claims both manner, together with Oliver Signy’s Chepstow winner It is nice and that of Joe Tizzard Tennessee Tango.

Watch all races from Ascot, Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton stay on Sky Sports activities Racing on Friday December 20.