Stars are plentiful this afternoon, with the aptly named Kauto Star, heading a list that includes Champion Hurdle contenders Binocular, Crack Away Jack and Franchoek.

Stars are plentiful this afternoon, with the aptly named Kauto Star, heading a list that includes Champion Hurdle contenders Binocular, Crack Away Jack and Franchoek.

Kauto, whose reputation was damaged when second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, restored his followers' faith with success at Down Royal and will take the beating in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.

He should win but there is always the possibility his long-time rival, Exotic Dancer, will manage what he has always failed to do, beat the Paul Nicholls horse.

That said, if he is back to his best, Kauto Star (2.15) is likely to have the upper hand on his old combatant again and, as none of the others look quite good enough to overcome the main twosome,, that would mean another win for the Nicholls horse.

It is hard to see past Binocular, either, as he dominates the five-strong field for the Betfair Hurdle, but it is good to see a Scottish contender, Los Nadis, from the Peter Monteith yard, involved. He could go well, too, without troubling Binocular (1.40).

In contrast, there are 16 runners in the "Fixed Brush" Handicap Hurdle. Top-weight Souffleur has a lot to do but is a class above many of these and could still be involved in the outcome. Star De Mohaison, Bluegun and According To Pete appeal but for me the David Pipe-trained Openditch (1.05) could be the one. He showed up well when fourth to Liberate over this course and distance first time out and should improve on that.

At Ascot, four of the eight horses involved in the big hurdle event, the Coral Hurdle, will be heavily supported in the market. Elusive Dream, Franchoek, Crack Away Jack and Chomba Womba have major chances in a fascinating contest.

The latter two have looked good this season, Crack Away Jack winning at Chepstow and Chomba Womba at Wincanton. It is difficult to separate them but the same could be said for the other pair, Elusive Dream and Franchoek.

The distance could be the clue to the outcome and in that context, Chomba Womba and Elusive Dream (1.55), who gets the vote, may have the edge.

Leslingtaylor and Bleu Superbe are capable of going well in the Carey Group Hurdle, but the two who may be most prominent are Jack The Giant and Howle Hill. The former won all his three races last season and is highly thought of in the Nicky Henderson stable. Even so, Howle Hill (1.20), trained by Alan King, likes this course and will be all better for a run at Exeter.

One time Derby fancy Bonze Cannon is bound to be well backed in Lingfield's Churchill Stakes but over this 10-furlong trip Philatelist (3.20) can go in again.

• Selections
  Haydock
  1.05 Openditch
  1.40 Binocular
  2.15 Kauto Star.
  
  Ascot
  1.20 Howle Hill
  1.55 Elusive Dream
  3.05 Possol.
  Lingfield 2.10 Markab 3.20 Philatelist