12 plays of Christmas: our experts with their best bets over the festive period

Epatante
12.50 Kempton, December 26
Needed to do something special to justify going off so short on her hurdling debut, and I was very taken with the way she quickened clear once given the office after the final flight. That was a pretty weak race for Kempton but she was in a different league to her rivals and, with softer ground no problem (Grade 1 bumper winner in France on heavy ground) it's probably going to take a pretty heroic performance from one of the boys to give her weight and a beating. She looks an exciting filly.
Gavin Beech

Lake View Lad
2.10 Wetherby, December 26
Long held in high regard by Nick Alexander, this progressive sort looked a handicapper going places when winning the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle on Fighting Fifth day. He shaped like a horse some way ahead of his mark with the smooth way he travelled into that race and he can can see off more exposed rivals, whose presence should ensure he starts a fair price.
David Carr

Zerachiel2.20 Market Rasen, December 26
It often feels a world away from the King George on the same day, but the Lincolnshire National looks quite a competitive edition this year with a few potentially lined up for the race. Zerachiel is very much among them: he is an unexposed stayer, but not the most fluent jumper, so the relatively easy test the Market Rasen fences provide should be ideal. Soft ground is fine, but the more rain over Christmas the better as this eight-year-old would stay halfway to Kempton.
Keith Melrose