Windsor Avenue out to justify Ellison faith in crunch match with Sam Spinner

If Brian Ellison's remarks on Windsor Avenue are to be believed, then the ceiling is high for the talented seven-year-old.

Compared favourably with the trainer's leading lights over the last few years, the rapidly improving undefeated chaser tackles his toughest task yet in the Grade 2 bet 365 December Novices' Chase (2.10) in an intriguing tussle with Grade 1-winning hurdler Sam Spinner.

Ellison said: "Windsor Avenue schooled earlier this week and was electric. We'll find out about the three-mile trip as you obviously don't know until you try, but Brian [Hughes] thinks he'll stay.

"I've always rated him highly and think he is one of the best we've had. He seems to have improved and his form has worked out, the second and third at Sedgefield have won since."

Early indications suggest last season's Stayers' Hurdle second Sam Spinner could develop into an equally smart operator over fences. He is unbeaten in two chases and has already impressed the handicapper enough to earn a 159-chase rating.

The field is completed by six-year-old Aye Right, who has been set a daunting assignment by trainer Harriet Graham on his chasing bow.

Familiar faces head Grade 2 juvenile market

Powerful owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede's love for a juvenile is patent for all to see.

We Have A Dream, Fusil Raffles and Peace And Co are among top-level winners for the team in recent years and hopes will be high their Doncaster representative Tombee Du Ciel can follow suit.

Nicky Henderson: the promsing Tombee Du Ciel makes her debut for the trainerCredit: Edward Whitaker

The filly makes her debut for Nicky Henderson in the bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle (2.45) after three starts at Auteuil and the trainer is keen to examine her ability against the boys in this Grade 2 contest.

He said: "She's a scopey filly who has some solid form at Auteuil and it'll be interesting to see how she gets on on her first start for us."

In opposition is the 128-rated Paseo, who struck at the third time of asking over hurdles for Oliver Sherwood.

"He's progressed with each of his three starts and did it nicely at Fontwell last time," said Sherwood. "He wouldn't want the ground too soft and I think there could be a decent race in him."

The Alan King-trained Lord Lamington is another contender who merits consideration. He was useful on the Flat and made a fine start to his new discipline when winning at Market Rasen nine days earlier.

The field is complete by Navajo Pass for Donald McCain, the Jonjo O'Neill-trained Prefontaine, and Robeam, who could secure a Graded double for trainer Brian Ellison should Windsor Avenue oblige earlier on the card.

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