All the latest as Vinndication and Lil Rockerfeller go head to head at Ascot

The first fixture of the two-day pre-Christmas meeting at Ascot features two Grade 2s, the Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle and the Noel Novices' Chase.

The novice chase has attracted a select group of four runners, including the unbeaten Vinndication and the admirable Lil Rockerfeller, while the novice hurdle has an exciting field of potential Supreme Novices' hopes.

Today's cards

Uttoxeter hosts the only other jumps action, with Southwell kicking off the all-weather fare before Dundalk and Wolverhampton extend the day's action into the evening.

Captain Lars, an 11-time winner in 2018, is the headline name at Southwell (2.40), with Wolverhampton's meeting featuring a decent Class 2 sprint (6.45).

Off the track final declarations for Saturday's racing will be confirmed, while entries for Coral Welsh Grand National day at Chepstow are also due.

Going report

Southwell (first race 11.20)
Standard.

Uttoxeter (12.05)
Heavy.

Ascot (12.45)
Soft, heavy in places (GoingStick 5.6 chase and 5.5 hurdle at 8.30am). Rail movements: 12.45 & 3.05 +46yds, 1.20 +30yds, 1.55 & 3.40 +29yds, 2.30 +38yds.

Dundalk (4.30)
Standard.

Wolverhampton (5.15)
Standard.

What to back

Lead tipster Paul Kealy has located three selections from today's card at Ascot, including a last-time-out winner.

It is not all about Ascot and our group of regional experts can help keep you informed for all five meetings in Britain and Ireland in the daily Tips Box.

What to read

Entries for a bumper December 26 are now out – for the most part – and on a notoriously tricky day to keep an eye on all of the action, we've picked out six Christmas crackers not to miss.

The 32Red King George VI Chase is undoubtedly the highlight on that jam-packed day and owner John Hales has been talking up the chances of his horse Politologue.

What to watch

Betfair Chase winner Bristol De Mai will be one of those opposing Politologue, and his trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has been discussing the chances of the seven-year-old following up after his second big Haydock triumph.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Steve Palmer is back and has picked out four special bets of interest for the 2019 golfing year.

There is Premier League action this evening as Wolves take on table-toppers Liverpool, although Dan Childs is predicting a tricky night for the league leaders.

Final thought

What do Topofthegame, Yanworth, L'Ami Serge, Irving, Politologue, Simonsig and Supasundae have in common? They all won on today's Ascot card. The list could go on, so pay attention to the results for future reference.

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app