Today's feature Daily Express Novices' Chase at Ascot has cut up to just six runners but nevertheless looks an interesting contest. Josh Gifford's Kurakka shoulders top weight of 11st 13lb - to the benefit of Fils de Cresson, who gets in at the bottom of the handicap on just 10st 3lb.

Fils de Cresson, who makes the long journey down from Berwickshire, has shown progressive form this season, registering wins at Catterick in December and Ayr earlier this month and showing much-improved form on the last-named occasion.

At Ayr the nine-year-old - wearing a tongue strap - took command at halfway. Quickening four out, he drew impressively clear to trounce Sue Bramall's Bangabunny by 13 lengths.

That victory was gained over two miles. But he was not stopping at the finish and should have little difficulty staying the extra three and a half furlongs at Ascot now he has learnt to settle.

Clearly on the upgrade, Fils de Cresson is napped to make the necessary progress to land this £20,000 contest.

Kinnescash looks worth an interest in the British Kidney Patient Association Handicap Hurdle.

Peter Bowen's consistent gelding was having his first race for eight weeks at Newbury earlier this month when keeping on to finish eight and a half lengths third to Ricardo, giving the impression he would improve for the outing.

Kinnescash, who goes on any ground, will be a lot sharper today and can record his third victory of the term in this Showcase race following wins at Huntingdon in September and Aintree in November.

Tough all-weather performer Rambo Waltzer can gain a rare turf success in the Gods Solution Handicap at Catterick.

The David Nicholls-trained seven-year-old finished a shorthead-second to Night of Glass in this race last year off a rating of 68.

Today Rambo Waltzer runs off a 5lb lower mark and is well worth a bet to open his account for 1999.

Judged on his fine one-and-three-quarter-length second to Kingston Venture in a Doncaster handicap last Thursday, Romero has improved from two to three.

Chris Thornton's gelding can land the Yarm Handicap before he is reassessed by the handicapper.

Mick Channon can usually be relied upon to have his juveniles well forward and the Lambourn trainer can strike with Master Fay in the Headcorn Median Auction Maiden at Folkestone.