DESPITE a wet and windy weekend weather forecast, fans of Donovan (2.20) could be still be singing in the rain after the conclusion of Ascot's two-mile-and-three-furlong ATR Handicap Chase.

Donovan is coming nicely to the boil judged by his latest Leicester third placing, where he cruised confidently up to the hindquarters of the leaders, only to run out of fuel just as the winning post came into view.

It's an indisputable fact that at the time the majority of trainer Ian Williams' horses were performing as if all four legs were tied together, whereas his yard is now really beginning to rock-and-roll.

Such nuggets of information are often worthy of serious consideration, so seeing as many of Donovan's stable-mates are fit and firing, there seems no reason why the selection cannot follow suit and take advantage of the weight received from all seven rivals.

Hat-trick-seeking Rosita Bay (1.50) might take some stopping in the Skybet Handicap Hurdle, a race ideally framed for the progressive mare from both a trip and ground point of view.

Oliver Sherwood's five-year-old has twice plundered Plumpton during recent weeks, a place admittedly far less fashionable than today's venue but perfect for toughening up individuals in preparation for a try on the bigger stage.

Having proved herself out in the sticks, Rosita Bay looks ready to show she can win in much better company.

Black Jack Ketchum is likely to try to stretch his unbeaten record to nine at Cheltenham on Monday

Already 4-5 favourite with the sponsors for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Festival in March, the seven-year-old holds an entry in the Steel Plate And Sections Hurdle over an extended two-and-a-half miles.

Winner of the Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle at last season's Festival, he made a successful reappearance at Cheltenham three weeks ago.

''He's sharpened up since his first run,'' said trainer Jonjo O'Neill.