Trainer Harry Fry is keeping his fingers crossed the decision to hold Activial back for a major handicap will pay off as the unexposed youngster bids to land a significant gamble in The Ladbroke at Ascot today.

Ante-post favourite Sign Of A Victory is set to miss The Ladbroke at Ascot on Saturday because of the rain-softened ground.

Willie Mullins has given Un De Sceaux a surprise entry in the Swift First Time Right Novices’ Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

Lizzie Kelly ensured a couple of bubbles were burst in the opener at Cheltenham yesterday as the rider made most of the running on 9-1 shot Aubusson to see-off a Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle field that included the much-vaunted pair Ballyalton and Racing Pulse.