Well, there isn’t too much to get excited about this weekend, although the fact I ride at two meetings in England today does make it somewhat interesting.

DONALD McCain is looking forward to giving Desert Cry his chance in a race as challenging as the Ladbroke at Ascot today.

PAUL NOLAN expects the testing ground to suit Joncol in Sunday’s John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown.

JONJO O’NEILL has raised the possibility of Synchronised running in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown rather than defending his Welsh National title over Christmas.

Paul Nicholls appears to hold a very strong hand in The Ladbroke at Ascot on December 17.