Disclaimer: Compulsive gambling can harm your health and relationships, and leave you in serious debt. If you have a problem with gambling and you’d like to stop, support and treatment is available. To find information, support and counselling on gambling addiction, please visit the NHS website: www.bit.ly/NHSGambling

Another cracking weekend of national hunt racing with Ascot firmly leading the way alongside Haydock Park with a couple of interesting wagers in the Tapeta surface at Wolverhampton under the lights.

Buzz has rightly been all the rage for the Long Walk Hurdle (Ascot, 2.25) since the betting came out at the back end of last week and you could argue that if this grand galloping grey sees out the three-mile trip that he should be a deal shorter than the 2/1 currently on offer.

However, that is not a given and with a field with plenty of strength in depth to it and some strong stayers in opposition the way to play this Grade One has to be an each-way play with the layers offering 6/1 bat two, the exception being the second favourite Thyme Hill.

The last named is still unexposed over a staying trip, and with the stuffy Champ likely to need the run on his return to hurdles, the each-way investment has to be on RONALD PUMP.

Officially rated 2lbs higher than the favourite, this admirable eight-year-old showed himself as good as ever on his seasonal debut when a distant second to the brilliant Honeysuckle in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse last month.

This extra half-mile is hugely in his favour and he is preferred to the Nicky Henderson-trained market leader and the aforementioned Thyme Hill.

On a cracking card at the Berkshire track I rate the best value bet in the six-year-old, ANNSAM, in the three mile Silver cup Handicap Chase at 3.00.

Three from nine over hurdles, the son of Black Sam Bellamy has taken well to the bigger obstacles and, winning by a distance at Ludlow last season and last time out running the well handicapped Earlofthecotswolds to five and a quarter lengths at Newbury.

This step up to three miles is exactly what this sure footed jumper needs and on only his second attempt over three miles, fell on his only attempt, he is arguably the least exposed in the field of 13.

As far as the rest of the action is concerned I fancy a huge run from BLACK OP in the graduation chase at 1.15 over what is undoubtedly his best distance, while the valuable Handicap Hurdle at 3.35 could go to the four-year-old TRITONIC who still looked in need of the run last time out when a fine fifth in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham. He is taken to reverse that form with West Cork and No Ordinary Joe.

The Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (Haydock 2.40) has been won by some classy stayers in the past and the lightly raced BUZZ DE TURCOING can add his name to the roll of honour in the extended 3m1f event.

Having only his second start over fences the youngster eased home by some two and a half lengths at Ayr over three miles and seems sure to relish the extra yardage here in receipt of weight from Vintage Clouds and crack second season chaser Remastered.

Going nicely in the lead when unseating his partner at Ffos Las last month, the classy SHAKEM UP’ARRY (nap) may make the most of his 5lbs lower mark in the two-mile handicap chase at 1.30.

Rated as high as 136 over the smaller obstacles, time may tell us that the seven-year-old is well treated here and he has most to fear from the progressive Word Has It.

Surprisingly the quickest ground at the jumping venues this afternoon will be at Newcastle and that should suit the 10-year-old BRELAN D’AS in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase at 1.40.

Later on, I fancy a huge run from the top weight GELBOE DE CHANAY (nb) in the mares hurdle at 2.15, while UGO DE MISSELET can make the most of his light weight in the extended two-mile novices handicap chase due off at 2.50.

On the flat at Wolverhampton there are some seriously competitive lower level handicaps and the best bet could come in the form of the veteran nine-year-old SUREWECAN in the sprint handicap at 6.30.

The old boy showed that the fire still burns bright when a fair second of nine to Morty over the course and distance at the back end of November and he has the ability to come off a fast pace and deny the likes of top weight Blazing Hot and Bluella; the former is the best handicapped speedster in the race, but may just need an extra half furlong even at this lowly level.

My final bet of the day will be on the double seeking EAGLE ONE in the finale over a mile and a half at 7.00.

A smooth winner over this course and distance some five days ago, the Ron Harris-trained three-year-old has further scope to improve off only a five pound higher mark.

As long as David Probert can get him settled I think that he can defy his penalty before taking a step up in grade.