CONEY ISLAND can start to realise his true potential by emerging victorious in what appears to be a vintage renewal of the Betfair Ascot Chase at the Berkshire venue.

Trainer Eddie Harty lost on out some valuable time with this seven-year-old as his novice campaign was brought to an early end last term following an injury setback.

Prior to his lengthy spell on the sidelines, Coney Island had been right among the top rank, winning the Drinmore before being beaten just half a length by Our Duke in a Grade One at Leopardstown.

He was then off the track for nearly a year before returning with victory at Ascot in December, making a slow start before eventually cruising home by nine lengths once he got warmed up.

Clearly that race hardly bares comparison with this event – but Coney Island would be expected to progress for that outing and this two miles and five furlongs certainly seemed to suit.

As he stays further, the testing ground should not be an issue and Coney Island can graduate to the top level in full company. Barry Geraghty takes the reins today.

Anthony Honeyball has had his eye on the Sodexo Reynoldstown Novices' Chase for MS PARFOIS ever since she won at Warwick last month.

The seven-year-old has won three of her four chase outings now and she shaped particularly well at Warwick, racing handily before winning with the minimum of fuss by five lengths.

Soft ground brings out the best in this mare and, with a handy allowance, she can claim a landmark Grade Two verdict under Sean Bowen.

THE DUTCHMAN will have plenty on his plate against Blaklion in the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock but he can account for the Aintree favourite as today's nap selection.

Colin Tizzard's runner revelled in heavy ground when running out a wide-margin winner of the Peter Marsh Chase at the track last month.

Given that was just his seventh outing over fences, it would not be unreasonable to say there could be a bit more still to come.

He will be getting 13lb from Blaklion here and, with crack northern jockey Danny Cook in the plate, he could just puncture the reputation of the National market leader, who also hit the buffers in this race last year.

AGRAPART posted his best effort for some time when winning the Cleeve at Cheltenham and he can follow up in the Betfred Rendlesham Hurdle.

Heavy ground brings out the best in Nick Williams' runner and while some of the others might be heading in here with thoughts of Cheltenham uppermost in their minds, Agrapart will surely be all in as he is not even entered at the Festival.

CALL ME LORD can make the leap to Grade Two company in the Betway Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.

He shot up 9lb in the ratings following a bloodless success at Sandown last time, with his perch of 152 somewhat forcing Nicky Henderson's hand into trying him in better company.

Yet Call Me Lord seems to be progressing at a rate of knots now and can cement his status as a live outsider for the Champion Hurdle with a win here.

MAKE MUSIC warmed up for the Betway Handicap with a decent third at Lingfield last month and can improve on that as she returns to the Surrey track.

She was a bit too keen through the early stages that day and perhaps paid for that as she was tapped for toe at the finish, eventually being beaten by two lengths.

Jason Watson will surely be more aware in the opening exchanges this time and his 7lb claim is a valuable asset.

CAROLINAE has hit the bar twice now but can enjoy her moment in the spotlight in the Matchbook Casino/EBFstallions.com Fillies' Handicap at Kempton.

SELECTIONS

Ascot: 1.15 Captain Cattistock, 1.50 Ms Parfois, 2.25 Gold Present, 3.00 Fixe Le Kap, 3.35 Coney Island, 4.10 Hatchet Jack, 4.45 Dancecraft.

Haydock: 1.30 Shambra, 2.05 Agrapart, 2.40 Markov, 3.15 THE DUTCHMAN (NAP), 3.50 Black Ivory, 4.25 Golan Fortune, 5.00 Shotavodka.

Kempton: 5.45 Chloellie, 6.15 Galloway Hills, 6.45 Major Valentine, 7.15 Carolinae, 7.45 Taqwaa, 8.15 Happy Escape.

Lingfield: 12.40 Mette, 1.10 Presence Process, 1.45 Gavi Di Gavi, 2.20 Brother Tiger, 2.55 Ay Ay, 3.30 Make Music, 4.05 Nomorecalls, 4.40 Mouchee.

Wincanton: 1.40 Garrane, 2.15 Sea Wall, 2.45 Call Me Lord, 3.20 Goring One, 3.55 Savoy Court, 4.30 Silverhow, 5.05 Sao.

Double: The Dutchman and Coney Island.