CAPTAIN Khedive can give Paul Nicholls a timely boost with victory in the £20,000-added Daily Telegraph Novices' Chase at Ascot today.

Captain Khedive can give Nicholls minor compensation for the retirement of Deep Bramble after last Saturday's Grand National with a win in the most valuable race on the televised card.

The eight-year-old has done well over fences this season, his three wins including success in a Grade Two two-mile event at Cheltenham in November. Philip Hide takes the mount and the jockey can initiate a double 35 minutes earlier.

The £16,000-added Fairview New Homes Novices' Chase offers his partner Sedge Warbler a cracking chance to land a decent prize.