UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

It's Paul Nicholls versus Nicky Henderson in this match race. The former won this Grade 2 contest in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and is represented today by Mont Des Avaloirs, who will find this easier than when finishing fourth behind the smart Champ at Newbury last month and should come on for that second chase outing. However, he has plenty on his plate in taking on ANGELS BREATH, a useful novice hurdler last term who looks set to be better over fences. The five-year-old was very impressive when making a winning chase debut over 2m3f here last month and looks a potential contender for the spring festivals in this sphere.
Prediction : 1st Angels Breath 2nd Mont Des Avaloirs 3rd

A winner on his sole Irish point-to-point outing, IT SURE IS caught the eye keeping on well for second over an extended 2m4f at Newbury on his hurdling bow and can put that experience to good use here. Nicky Henderson's charge should relish the extra yardage here and is taken to go one better, possibly at the main expense of bumper winner Bean In Trouble, who was narrowly held when staying on for second in a 2m4f maiden hurdle at Plumpton earlier in the month. Torn And Frayed, a neck second over 2m5f at Warwick two starts ago, should appreciate being stepped back up in trip.
Prediction : 1st It Sure Is 2nd Bean In Trouble 3rd Torn And Frayed

DEBUCHET, second in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in 2017, relished the switch to fences with a smart victory at Fairyhouse last month and could be ready to get his career back on track in this sphere. That form was boosted when the second hacked up next time out and the Irish raider gets the nod over Sully D'Oc Aa, who built on his chase introduction when second to a well-treated rival in a decent handicap at Newbury and there could be more to come. Dual hurdles winner Greaneteen would be no surprise winner on his fencing bow.
Prediction : 1st Debuchet 2nd Sully DOc Aa 3rd Greaneteen

Nicky Henderson boasts a strong record in this event having landed it three times since 2014 and his sole representative, Time Flies By, bids to follow in the footsteps of last year's winner Angels Breath. The son of Getaway has achieved a solid level of form in two Cheltenham bumpers and won't mind conditions based on those efforts. However, he will need to improve plenty for the switch to timber if he is to trouble RIBBLE VALLEY. Nicky Richards' gelding has been very impressive on both his hurdle outings so far and the manner in which he disposed of useful opposition under a penalty at Wetherby earmarked him as one of the UK's leading novices. C&D winner Master Debonair is capable of better but will need to brush up slightly on his jumping, while similar comments apply to smart bumper performer Mcfabulous, whose effort on his return at Chepstow left a fair bit to be desired.
Prediction : 1st Ribble Valley 2nd Time Flies By 3rd Master Debonair

SAINT DE REVE built on his hurdling debut at Exeter to score in good style at Wincanton last month and the five-year-old appeals plenty on his handicap bow sporting a tongue tie for the first time. Versatility shaped well on his first start since May when third at Kempton and is likely to pose a solid threat if handling conditions which are the softest he has encountered to date. Ashfield Paddy won at Haydock earlier in the month and is respected along with Kozier.
Prediction : 1st Saint De Reve 2nd Ashfield Paddy 3rd Kozier

Israel Champ improved considerably from a disappointing effort on his Rules debut at Worcester to win a Listed contest at Cheltenham last month, but he has a 4lb penalty to contend with in what appears a stronger event on paper. SOARING GLORY was an impressive winner of a C&D bumper last month which featured the likes of Kid Commando (second) and Bravemansgame (third), and that form reads well. Butte Montana, Shantou Express and Stoner's Choice add further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Soaring Glory 2nd Kid Commando 3rd Butte Montana