What's on this week: Paisley Park set to headline at Ascot

Monday

Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci are responsible for two of the leading lights on Naas's seven-race card with Tiger Tap Tap's assault on the 2m3f maiden hurdle (1.20) worth monitoring closely.

The four-year-old was among the leading juveniles last season and may be expected to build on his fourth in the Grade 3 Fishery Lane Hurdle on his seasonal return.

Bapaume: high-class prospect over fencesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Bapaume is another noteworthy runner in the 2m3f beginners' chase (2.25). A Grade 1 winner over hurdles, he could become a leading contender in the novice chase division for top connections.

British action comes from Plumpton and Ffos Las over jumps before attention turns to Wolverhampton's all-weather meeting.

Tuesday

A quieter day on the racing front with Lingfield cancelled due to waterlogging.

The two remaining fixtures, both of which take place over jumps, are at Catterick and Fakenham as we count down to the weekend.

Wednesday

Grand National second and 159-rated Magic Of Light would have stacks in hand if showing up in the Listed mares' chase at Newbury (1.55).

The Jessica Harrington-trained eight-year-old captured this race last season and may exploit an opportunity to gain more winnable black type.

Later on the card gifted novice hurdler The Big Breakaway continues his education in the 2m4½f hurdle (2.25).

Colin Tizzard: could have Cheltenham Festival aspirations with The Big BreakawayCredit: Getty Images

A powerful son of Getaway, the Colin Tizzard-trained four-year-old features prominently in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle ante-post market.

This fine prospect could also clash with the exciting McFabulous, who landed the Grade 2 bumper at the Aintree festival last season and is yet to shed his maiden tag over hurdles.

Ludlow hosts jumping, while fans of the all-weather will enjoy a treble helping with Flat cards at Lingfield, Newcastle and Dundalk, which hosts the last Irish meeting before Christmas.

Thursday

The progressive Henry Daly-trained Stoney Mountain could bid for quickfire redemption in the 3m1f beginners' chase at Hereford (1.10).

The six-year-old unshipped Richard Johnson in a hot novice chase at Cheltenham last Friday and connections may explore a confidence-boosting round for a horse who was sharply on the upgrade before his spill.

South Seas (centre) chasing home Thunder Snow as a juvenile

Dan Skelton acquired the useful Flat performer South Seas from Andrew Balding for a jumping campaign, and the Darren Yates-owned five-year-old could attempt a first hurdles victory in the 2m maiden event (2.40) later at the meeting.

Exeter hosts a seven-race card to support Hereford's afternoon session before Southwell and Wolverhampton take the reins for the all-weather action.

Friday

A spicy card at Ascot is spearheaded by the Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle (1.55).

Nicky Henderson has dominated the Grade 2 event with four victories from the last eight years, and the top trainer's sole entry this season is the JP McManus-owned bumper winner Time Flies By.

The Grade 2 Noel Novices' Chase (2.30) has attracted five classy runners headed by Angels Breath, who impressed when slamming subsequent winner First Flow at the course on his debut over fences.

Uttoxeter provides additional jumping and there are two Flat cards at Southwell and Wolverhampton.

Saturday

Paisley Park accounted for all before him in the staying hurdle division last season, and made a successful reappearance at Newbury last month. Ascot is the next destination for the Emma Lavelle-trained star in the Marsh Hurdle (2.25).

The ultra-competitive Betfair Exchange Trophy (3.35) provides the last opportunity for the top two-mile handicappers to bag a lucrative pot before Christmas. Greatwood Hurdle scorer Harambe would hold stellar claims if showing up.

Harambe: with his delighted connections after winning the Greatwood HurdleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Meetings at Haydock, Ascot and Lingfield supply the other punting opportunities of the weekend.

Sunday

Racing takes a four-day break from our screens for the traditional pre-Christmas festive pause, and the Racing Post would like to take this opportunity to wish readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year before the roller-coaster recommences on Boxing Day.

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