Effectual looks the answer to today's showcase race at Ascot, the Bison Group Handicap Hurdle.

Much has been written about the strike rate of Venetia Williams's inmates. Indeed, the trainer received an award at the Murphy's bash at the weekend for her winners-to-runners ratio, and the five-year-old can further boost her reputation in this field.

As a novice, Effectual managed a nap hand of victories last season, and opened this campaign finishing last of three behind Simons Castle at Towcester.

That five-length beating was not a bad performance and will have blown the cobwebs from the Efisio gelding, who can send backers home happy.

Earlier, Kerawi is a tentative selection for the Grade Two Ascot Hurdle.

Nigel Twiston-Davies's charge can turn round form with Nigel's Lad in receipt of 7 lb for a four-length beating by his rival when the pair finished second and third to Marello at Wetherby over five furlongs further last month.

The drop back in distance should suit Kerawi more and he can realise the potential shown when he finished fifth to Istabraq in last season's Champion Hurdle.

The main danger in the two-and-a-half mile event looks to be the improving Khayrawani, who will be expected by connections to recoup the cost of his journey over from Ireland.

The distance of the Gerrard Group Handicap Chase may rule out Ascot specialist Super Coin, who recorded two successes at the track last term but probably needs further to warrant the selection.

Instead it might be worth an investment on Hoh Warrior. Charlie Mann's charge was badly hampered at the third fence at Ascot when making his seasonal debut and finished tailed off in a quick reappearance in Exeter's Haldon Gold Cup.

The soft conditions were not to his liking at the Devon track and this return to Ascot, where he produced his best performance of last year when beating Strong Paladin by 10 lengths, might just show him return to form.

Richard Dunwoody by-passes Ascot for Exeter and a nap hand of rides for Philip Hobbs.

The best chance of success at realistic odds looks to be Good Lord Murphy in the Tripleprint Novices' Chase.