Star heads Ladbroke 20

Michael Halford’s Tipperary All Star will have to shoulder top weight of 11st 12lb in tomorrow’s Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle at Ascot, where he will face 19 rivals.

The six-year-old Irish novice has won his last two starts in impressive fashion and has been put up 24lb for his last success at Cheltenham.

Halford has snapped up Mick Fitzgerald for the mount and he will be aiming to get one over on his boss Nicky Henderson.

The rider has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Henderson down the years, which has entered the final stages following Fitzgerald’s announcement of his retirement at the end of this season.

Henderson saddles the sponsors 7-2 ante-post favourite Tarlac (11st 3lb) for JP McManus, who will be ridden by the owner’s retained jockey Tony McCoy.

Complementing a strong challenge from the Emerald Isle is Arthur Moore’s Well Mounted and Victram, winner of the Imperial Cup last season for Adrian McGuinness.

Also in opposition is Swinton Hurdle winner Acambo for David Pipe, who also runs Desert Air.

Overstrand, an impressive winner of the William Hill Handicap Hurdle two weeks ago bids for more glory for his Doctor/trainer Richard Newland.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls runs Pirate Flagship, who has recently been novice chasing.

Other notable runners include Premier Dane, Chief Yeoman and Verasi.