Stat Selector: Friday 22 November

Cascova – 14:05 Ascot

Smart Stat: 3 - Nicky Henderson’s number of winners in past nine runnings

One-time smart hurdler Thomas Campbell was Nicky Henderson’s last winner of this race, and it is a contest the trainer often targets with decent prospects. Hurdling debutant Cascova is an interesting recruit to the yard having shown ability in bumpers for Martyn Meade. He struck on debut and then ran at least as well in defeat when finishing runner-up in a listed event at Cheltenham. He failed to make an impact on the racecourse in the Champion Bumper, but he caught the eye in the parade ring beforehand, looking as good as anything in the field, and he is an interesting contender.

Didero Vallis – 14:40 Ascot

Smart Stat: 3 - Venetia Williams’s number of winners in past nine runnings

Venetia Williams won this race three years in a row between 2013 and 2015 and looks to hold decent claims here with Didero Vallis. Didero Vallis enjoyed a successful campaign last season, winning twice, and he ran well on his final start of the season to finish fifth in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival. He is still relatively unexposed over fences and makes his return for a yard in flying form, and who have a good record with horses when fresh.

Anjah – 16:00 Newcastle

Smart Stat: £50.90 - Simon Crisford’s profit to a £1 level stake with debutants

Anjah makes his debut in a decent novice stakes but he has plenty to recommend him. He is by Kodiac and out of a six-furlong winner who is a sister to Group 1 winner Elusive City. There is plenty of speed in his pedigree and he is likely to be ready to roll on debut, keeping in mind Simon Crisford’s excellent record with newcomers.