13:50 ASCOT

This is a tough Grade 2 between the Mares, but I think Paul Nicholls’ IF YOU SAY RUN  is the one to beat.

The seven-year-old has four wins and four seconds from nine runs and produced a good effort behind Mia’s Storm last time out.

Both Nicholls and Harry Cobden have been in scintillating form over the past few months and I think their good run will continue here.

14:25 ASCOT

BALLYMOY  has looked decent for Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard, having scored five wins from eight, and looks set for another here.

After disappointing in the Intermediate Hurdle, he bounced back nicely at Haydock towards the end of December.

Thomas Bellamy is a perfect two from two on board and returns to the saddle aiming for Grade 3 glory.

15:00 ASCOT

This is another tough field to call, but I’m going to keep faith with MISTER WHITAKER  .

The winner of the Close Brothers Chase at last year’s Festival is still the standout performance on his CV, but he has started the season well with a tidy win at Carlisle and a respectable fourth in the BetVictor Gold Cup.

He’s finished outside the top three just three times in 12 runs and is proven over this distance, so he should be well in the mix.

15:45 HAYDOCK

My final tip is in-form ADMIRAL’S SECRET  who is looking for a fourth win from five runs.

The eight-year-old finally got off the mark in 2018 and has proved himself over the 2m.

He has five less lbs than Colin Tizzard’s New To This Town – who looks the obvious threat – and I think that could be a big advantage here.

WIN DOUBLE

IF YOU SAY RUN  | BALLYMOY 

LUCKY 15

IF YOU SAY RUN   | BALLYMOY  | MISTER WHITTAKER  | ADMIRAL'S SECRET 

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