UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

Valtor is a fascinating runner for Nicky Henderson and James Bowen, rated 152 in this sphere and last seen finishing down the field in the Grand National. However, there looks to be more solid options in the line-up. Redford Road showed a fantastic attitude when scoring on his hurdles debut at Wetherby and he should improve for this extra couple of furlongs, but PRINCE LLYWELYN gets the nod. Kim Bailey's charge brings high-class bumper form to the table and stretching out in distance for his jumping debut could potentially unlock another gear.
Prediction : 1st Prince Llywelyn 2nd Redford Road 3rd Valtor

PYM made a promising start to his chasing career, taking a blow and seemingly back peddling before running on strongly into second. He is entitled to improve for that reappearance run, as well as for stepping up half a mile, and looks the one to beat for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville. Kapgarry won in gritty fashion at Wetherby but a 9lb rise makes life a lot tougher for him, so Highest Sun rates the bigger threat. He looked a natural when third in a cracking beginners' chase at Newbury.
Prediction : 1st Pym 2nd Highest Sun 3rd Kapgarry

OSCAR ROSE was an impressive winner on her comeback run at Southwell last month and, with Connor Brace's valuable claim negating a chunk of the 7lb rise, she might be able to follow up. Like Fergal O'Brien, Emma Lavelle has her string in good form at present and a big run form Jubilympics is anticipated, while Same Circus and Shambra are other in-form players with claims.
Prediction : 1st Oscar Rose 2nd Jubilympics 3rd Same Circus

Head-to-heads don't get much bigger than this, with ALTIOR testing his stamina against the highest rated chaser in training. Nicky Henderson's superstar is unbeaten since going jumping, with four Cheltenham Festival triumphs on his CV, and he surpassed Big Buck's' record of 18 consecutive victories when signing off his last campaign with his 10th Grade 1 victory at Sandown. He is following a different path this season, with this a potential stepping stone to the King George, and the way he races suggests this trip at least won't be a problem. Cyrname was handed a mark of 176 after destroying his Ascot Chase rivals and is expected to make the running again but he will be there to be shot at in the straight, and Altior's acceleration could be the deciding factor. Solomon Grey can follow them round in his own time.
Prediction : 1st Altior 2nd Cyrname 3rd Solomon Grey

IF THE CAP FITS emerged as a leading Stayers' Hurdle contender when denying Roksana over 3m at the Grand National meeting but he isn't devoid of speed, as he showed when landing this prize 12 months ago. He did have a run under his belt on that occasion, but has won fresh in the past and looks primed for another profitable campaign. Roksana lost little in defeat behind Top Notch at Aintree a couple of weeks ago, so will be a big threat again. Call Me Lord hasn't had much racing during the past 18 months but is blessed with the necessary talent to figure in the finish here.
Prediction : 1st If The Cap Fits 2nd Roksana 3rd Call Me Lord

The two main protagonists from the eventful Listed contest here three weeks ago lock horns again. Diego Du Charmil almost ran out at the final fence but managed to recover to take the win, but stablemate CAPELAND was breathing down his neck when carried into the wings of the fence and subsequently disqualified. Reopposing on 6lb better terms, he can exact his revenge. The pair appear to hold Clondaw Castle and Caid Du Lin granted a clear passage, while Imperial Presence and Ballywood came to grief early. Vaniteux had Knocknanuss, Marracudja and Northern Beau behind when second at Cheltenham and is a danger, along with Aintree winner The Last Day.
Prediction : 1st Capeland 2nd Diego Du Charmil 3rd The Last Day

KID COMMANDO could hardly have been more impressive when bolting up by 18 lengths on his debut under Rules at Fontwell and the son of Robin Des Champs could prove a tough nut to crack despite his penalty here. Soaring Glory and Willie Butler won by narrower margins on their last starts and could go well, while Paul Nicholls has a couple of interesting newcomers in Irish point winners Bravemansgame and Skatman, with the latter having beaten a horse who is now in Nicholls' care at Dromahane.
Prediction : 1st Kid Commando 2nd Skatman 3rd Soaring Glory