Along with the two-day meeting at Longchamp culminating in the Arc tomorrow, there are several meetings with some tough handicaps to unravel this weekend and the best is saved for the last at Ascot at 4.45 in the form of HOLMESWOOD (NAP).

The Michael Dods’ trained runner has been kept busy all season, but has gradually been running into form and put up one of his better showings last time out at Haydock Park when running on nicely in the closing stages when fourth of 17 behind Dakota Gold.

On that occasion he was just stopped in his tracks and looked a wee bit unlucky not to be a deal closer than he finished.

Dropped a pound to a mark of 89, three pounds below his last winning mark from last season, he can finally strike gold from connections at the 10th time of asking in 2018.

There are several big players against him though in this final race on the Berkshire racecard including the Stuart Williams’ trained mud lover Alaadel and last year’s winner and second Erissimuss Maximus and Evergate.

The Group Three Cumberland Lodge Stakes at 2.25 looks set to go the way of the progressive three-year-old FIRST ELEVEN (nb). The youngster is very much on the upgrade and having been very impressive in landing a nice handicap over course and distance last time out and any rain that falls this afternoon certainly will not compromise his chance. The tough as teak Blakeney Point, a game winner at Chester last time out, looks set to be his main danger.

If you are looking for a bigger priced horse to get your teeth stuck into then the Listed Rouse Stakes could be your point of call.

Again plenty will depend on how much rain the track receives early in the day, but granted a bit of juice in the ground I fancy a massive run from SPRING LOADED who recorded a career best effort over the course and distance at the height of summer.

There are several rivals to be wary of in this sprint, none more so than the Charlie Hills’ trained Spoof and likely favourite Mr Lupton.

Later on, have a second look at top weight FLAMING SPEAR in the big seven furlong handicap due off at 3.35.

He was a clear-cut winner of an equally competitive handicap at Goodwood last time out and the claim of his young rider negates the penalty he incurred at the Sussex track.

At Redcar, they have their big day of the season with the Two-Year-Old Trophy the highlight of the afternoon at 2.45 and my strong each-way fancy is JAMES WATT from the Michael Bell-yard.

This son of Morpheus has found 7f too far for him and a rapidly run five here with some impending rain could prove to be right up his street and I think he is way too big a price at around the 20/1 marker.

As far as Longchamp is concerned I am going to be very boring and plump for ENABLE to land back to back Arcs tomorrow at 3.05.

She was certainly entitled to win at the weights on her comeback run at Kempton, but she arrives here as fresh as paint and will surely take a deal of beating granted a clear passage throughout the contest. Her biggest danger could be the Andre Fabre-trained Waldgeist who has finally found his mojo again this past three months under the master handler.

Back to today at the Paris track and take a look at the claims of BOULEVARD (1.00) and later on CALL THE WIND in the lung bursting two-and-a-half mile Prix Du Cadran at 4.40.

The last named is a bit of a monkey, but does have plenty of ability and can outstay the likes of the likely favourite Holdthasigreen and Max Dynamite.