UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

GOSHEN won three times on the level and has recorded 23- and 34-length victories from the front since being sent over timber. This will be the toughest task yet for Gary Moore's thriving Triumph Hurdle hope but he has a good chance of dominating this small field and completing a hat-trick. Homer has run creditably in Group 3 company on the Flat and is entitled to build on his hurdles debut at Kempton. The improving Manucci is another to bear in mind, despite being firmly put in his place by the selection at Fontwell in November.
Prediction : 1st Goshen 2nd Homer 3rd Manucci

NEARLY PERFECT built on his fencing debut fourth at Hereford when scoring over 3m1f at Wincanton and he is capable of following up if let loose on the front end again, even though he now has a 5lb rise to shake off. Graceful Legend is rated 5lb higher than when striking over this trip at Bangor in November but has viable place claims, while any money for the returning Townshend, who has been absent since winning at Huntingdon in April, would be notable.
Prediction : 1st Nearly Perfect 2nd Graceful Legend 3rd Townshend

PAPAGANA landed back-to-back Listed events at Doncaster and Kempton before a solid third in Grade 1 company behind The Worlds End here. Now dropping back down in class, a return to winning ways may be on the cards for Oliver Sherwood's tough mare. Magic Of Light claimed this contest 12 months ago and finished runner-up in the Grand National later in the season. She warmed up for this assignment with a facile chase victory at Newbury and should put up plenty of resistance. Sensulano took a Listed contest at Warwick, also over fences, and could make her presence felt.
Prediction : 1st Papagana 2nd Magic Of Light 3rd Sensulano

Things haven't quite gone to plan for Thomas Darby over fences but the Supreme runner-up is a force to be reckoned with if the switch to the smaller obstacles sparks a revival. Ballymoy is only 2lb higher than when winning this 12 months ago and is another reverting to timber following some useful chasing efforts. Bold Plan won with plenty in hand at Haydock and Evan Williams' six-year-old remains a player despite a 10lb rise. The testing conditions could suit PIC D'ORHY best, with Paul Nicholls' five-year-old bringing some high-class form in deep ground from France to the table, and he is held in very high regard by the Ditcheat team.
Prediction : 1st Pic DOrhy 2nd Thomas Darby 3rd Ballymoy

ESPOIR DE GUYE made it back-to-back victories when a comfortable 10-length winner over 2m3f here last month and despite a further 14lb hike, could thrive once again in conditions which will suit, with the extra two furlongs no problem. Fellow hat-trick seeker Domaine De L'Isle looked to have enough in hand at Newcastle to suggest he can continue his progression and confirm form with Sam's Adventure, who was second on that occasion. Happy Diva, third in this 12 months ago, has been in top form this season and is another capable of getting involved.
Prediction : 1st Espoir De Guye 2nd Domaine De LIsle 3rd Happy Diva

Only a neck split Defi Du Seuil and UN DE SCEAUX when the pair met in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last month, with the former coming out on top. Philip Hobbs' charge had the benefit of a recent run on that occasion, though, and Un De Sceaux can be expected to be sharper today. The heavy ground will also be in the veteran's favour and he can add another victory in this race to his record. The rest are up against it but Janika is the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Un De Sceaux 2nd Defi Du Seuil 3rd Janika

FALCO BLITZ has acquitted himself well in competitive handicaps at Cheltenham on his last couple of appearances and he will be hard to beat now returned to novice company, despite having to carry a 6lb penalty. Faustinovick has made the frame in all three starts under Rules and he may improve for a wind operation. Blackfinch edges out Killer Clown to be the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Falco Blitz 2nd Faustinovick 3rd Blackfinch