There are so many betting opportunities on the horse-racing front this weekend that we have to be selective in our wagers and the most solid bet today could come in the form of one of the smaller races of the day — the 2.15 at Ayr and the hugely in-form Top Billing.

The Nicky Richards’ trained charge has been in brilliant form since Tony McCoy gave him a sympathetic ride in August resulting in two easy wins at Huntingdon off marks of 92 and 103. 

Set to race off 115 here it is quite obvious another step forward is required but this isn’t the best of races and I think he is nap material to give the weight away to the likes of Quel Elite and Makhzoon.

At the big meetings of the day at Wetherby and Ascot there are some terrific prizes up for grabs and off his featherweight I think Ardkilly Witness is well worth a solid each-way wager at 3.35 in Berkshire now that he is back down to below his last winning rating and comes here as fit as a flea following a really nice pipe-opener over hurdles first time out.

Le Bec is surely a huge player off 149 if he is truly being considered as a Cheltenham Gold Cup horse while Gevrey Chambertin is hugely respected as he has the potential to make great strides this season although this is asking a lot about a young horse.

Earlier on at Ascot, Ted Spread will relish the ground in the Handicap Hurdle at 3.00 and gets the call over Sign of Victory while I can pass on a good word for Bellenos in the 2.20 from the Dan Skelton yard.

Over at Wetherby there is a cracking renewal of the Charlie Hall Chase at 3.15 and there will be some long faces in the Paul Nicholls’ camp if Silviniaco Conti can’t kick off his season with a victory here.

The 2012 winner has a good record fresh and if anywhere near the top of his form he should reverse Gold Cup form with The Giant Bolster and see off new kid on the staying block Taquin Du Seuil.

The Great Yorkshire Hurdle at 2.40 has attracted a disappointing field of only three and on the ratings At Fishers Cross should be very hard to beat.

However, he is not the most straightforward of individuals and the value could lie with unexposed Cole Harden.

It is Breeders’ Cup night at Santa Anita and the European challenge looks particularly strong in the turf events. However, I want to play against Toronado in the Mile at 11.40 and instead have an each-way bet on Kaigun, hugely overpriced and set to make a bold bid to hit the frame.

The Turf over a mile-and-a-half is between Telescope, Flintshire and Hardest Core and again the US runner may well be overpriced here at around the 14/1 marker.

The big race of the evening, the Classic at 12.35, could turn into a right old slugfest and that could suit Tonalist.