It’s an exciting time of the year with top-quality action all over the country and I’ve got a few runners to look forward to.

Looking back on the past week

Both Overtown Express and Lamanver Odyssey fell during the week but thankfully both horses and Noel [Fehily] came away unscathed.

They will need a bit of rest over the next few days but they are both nice horses and look to have promising seasons ahead of them.

Melrose Boy ran into a couple of likeable types in the shape of Mr Whipped and Gowiththeflow at Newbury on Wednesday. He got a bit worked up beforehand and just didn’t run up to his best.

We may have met two good horses but I’d happily take them on again.

Saturday at Ascot

Unowhatimeanharry  runs in the Long Walk Hurdle (2.25pm) and he is looking to win the race for the second year running.

We are coming off a defeat in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, but he’s in good order and we’ve met most of the opposition before so we know what we are up against.

There are a couple of unknowns in there, with the likes of Sam Spinner and Thomas Campbell stepping out of handicap company, but my horse has been there and done it at this level and is the one they’ve all got to beat.

Last time we just weren’t good enough on the day to give weight away to Beer Goggles, but we are on a level playing field this time around with it being a Grade One.

We know we are everyone’s target but we are looking forward to it and hopefully he can go and repeat what he did last year.

Air Horse One  steps back in trip in the handicap hurdle (3.35pm).

His reappearance run over course and distance looks very solid, with the three horses ahead of him all winning subsequently, as well as the one in behind.

At Newbury last time, it turned into a bit of a sprint which didn’t suit him, but on Saturday you’d like to think we should get a good gallop and that will only improve his chances.

We’ve got to find a bit more off a slightly higher mark but I’m hopeful he can find the required improvement.

The step back in trip here should suit and hopefully he can run another solid race and get himself in contention come the finish.

Plans for the rest of Christmas

Plans look to be shaping up nicely over Christmas with four runners on Boxing Day.

If The Cap Fits runs at Kempton in the novices’ hurdle (12.45pm).

He's been going the right way so far this season and I’d like to think he can continue on his upward curve.

He certainly seems to be progressing and improving at home, and hopefully he can do that on the track.

Of all my runners over the festive period, he could prove to be a late Christmas present.

Hell’s Kitchen runs in the handicap chase (1.20pm).

He fell last time but I’m hopeful the step up in trip will bring about some improvement in what looks a competitive handicap chase.

We run Dashing Oscar in the 2m 5f handicap hurdle (3.40pm), who is seeking a hat-trick.

He looks to be a horse on the upgrade and while this is a stronger race, I’m confident he can continue to progress.

Outofthisworld runs in the rearranged mares’ bumper at Huntingdon (2.25pm).

She won her first race at Market Rasen in the spring and if she can repeat that run here, she must have a decent chance.

King George

If there is any rain, then I’d be with Bristol De Mai but I’m not sure there is much forecast.

If the rain stays away, I’d lean towards Fox Norton at a nice price - he’s interesting stepping up in trip.

His run in the Tingle Creek looked as if he wanted further, so he could be the one to serve it up to Might Bite.