Key betting news, going and non-runners

The last Saturday of racing before Christmas has brought us presents galore with Unowhatimeanharry's bid for a seven-timer in the Grade 1 JLT Long Walk Hurdle the star on top of the tree.

The race, won by Thistlecrack last year, also features French raider Alex De Larredya, tough as teak Lil Rockerfeller and Reve De Sivola, who bids for a record-equalling fourth success in the Long Walk.

There's also the small matter of 19-runner Grade 3 Wessex Youth Trust Handicap Hurdle - the Ladbroke in old money - at Ascot, where a wide-open betting heat has become dominated by feather-weight Golden Spear, one of three chances for handicap maestro Tony Martin.

Saturday racecards

If that wasn't enough a fascinating clash between Buveur D'Air and Cloudy Dream in the novice chase adds a sprinkling of stardust to a Haydock card headlined by the Tommy Whittle Chase, while at Fairyhouse Willie Mullins takes the wraps off the exciting Yorkhill, who makes his chasing debut in the 2.10.

Today's big races

2.00 Lingfield Betway Quebec Stakes (Listed Race)
2.05 Haydock 32Red.com Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Abram Mares' Hurdle) (Listed Race)
2.25 Ascot JLT Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1)
2.40 Haydock 32Red.com Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase
3.00 Ascot Lavazza Jolie Silver Cup Handicap Chase (Listed Race)
3.35 Ascot Wessex Youth Trust Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

Going update

Ascot Good to soft
Fairyhouse Soft to heavy
Haydock Soft
Lingfield Standard
Newcastle Soft, heavy in places

Key non-runners

11.50 Haydock (3) Sleepy Haven
12.40 Ascot (8) Trans Express
1.10 Newcastle (1) Annie Alainn

Market moves

1.30 Haydock Doctor Phoenix 11-2 (from 7 bet365)
2.05 Haydock Tearsofclewbay 4-1 (from 5 general)
3.00 Ascot Le Mercurey 9-1 (from 12 bet365)
3.35 Ascot Golden Spear 4-1 (from 9-2 general); Quick Jack 12-1 (from 14 general)