Who To Follow At Ascot On Friday - 18/12/20

Horse To Follow - Fiddlerontheroof

A horse that will love conditions and is worth sticking by just one more time is the Colin Tizzard trained Fiddlerontheroof, who has a lot going for him in this race.

The six year old won a good Irish bumper on his final start two seasons ago and since then has moved to Tizzard's yard and made his debut last season at Chepstow in the Grade Two Persian War Novices Hurdle.

He was gambled on massively for that contest but could only finish a decent second just being outstayed by third in the 2019 Champion Bumper, Thyme Hill.

He then made his second start in England at Wincanton when again in another battle with Edwardstone and he finished second again.

In what looked his big chance to get off the mark he headed to Sandown in heavy conditions and he did not disappoint bolting up, he then went over course and distance in the Grade One Tolworth Hurdle and landed his first black type event.

The son of Stowaway was then sent to the Supreme Novices Hurdle where he never got into the race and ultimately disappointed.

Sent chasing this term by Tizzard he could only finish second on debut at Ffos Las behind If The Cap Fits, but used that experience to get off the mark next time out narrowly at Exeter.

He took a step back when being well beaten by Caribean boy last time out, but that was on ground he is not comfortable with and getting his conditions on Friday should make the difference.

Trainer To Follow - Nicky Henderson

Nicky Henderson has been ticking along nicely of late and on Friday could add to his nice run of winners with some strong chances.

In the first race of the day the champion trainer fields Steal A March for the Queen who looks an interesting runner and another horse that takes the eye for the Seven Barrow yard is No Ordinary Joe, With JP McManus and Henderson having a superb relationship over the years.

Henderson is currently running at a strike rate of 17% having landed 7 winners from his last 42 runners and that is one of the strongest win rates heading into the weekend.

Jockey To Follow - Richard Johnson

The four time champion jockey is looking to gain his crown back this season and having made a decent start he will be looking to now kick on and ramp up the winners.

The experienced rider has been in smart form over the last 14 days and heads into the meeting at ascot with a 19.44% strike rate having had seven winners from 36 rides.

His best chances on the day look to come from Everglow in the Maiden Hurdle in the second race on the card and in the Grade Two Supreme Novices Hurdle Trial with Llandinabo Lad for the inform Tom Symonds.