UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

MAORI KNIGHT, a son of Camelot, improved for the step up to this trip at Haydock earlier this month, though he was mugged in the final strides by a patiently-ridden rival. Richard Hughes' colt is expected to improve for the switch to this stiffer track and could go one better if ridden with a little more restraint. Acquitted chased home the exciting Palace Pier over 1m at Newcastle on his reappearance and should relish this test, while Grand Rock and Hypothetical contested Listed and Group 3 races respectively when last sighted and can go well now dropping into a handicap. Global Storm is penalised for his recent distance victory at Newmarket but may also finish on the premises.
Prediction : 1st Maori Knight 2nd Acquitted 3rd Global Storm

FOX TAL was beaten just over three lengths into fourth in the Champion Stakes here last term and rates the one to beat, now eased in grade, for a stable that has started the new season strongly. Sir Dragonet had a spin at Naas in March before the Irish season was interrupted but is expected to be cherry ripe for this assignment for another trainer in great form. Regal Reality was behind the selection here in October but has place claims on his best efforts, while it will be interesting to see if Dubai Warrior can continue to progress now moving off the all-weather, or if Dream Castle will ever reproduce the high-class form he showed at the 2019 Dubai Carnival.
Prediction : 1st Fox Tal 2nd Sir Dragonet 3rd Regal Reality

Molatham accounted for subsequent 2000 Guineas second Wichita in a Listed race at Doncaster last September, and the mile may have been a problem when a beaten favourite in the Autumn Stakes. His lack of a recent run is a slight concern, though, and that means the vote goes to KING LEONIDAS, who looks more than capable of making his mark at this level. The son of Kingman accounted for a strong field in a novice race at Newmarket 11 days ago and that performance is only enhanced by the fact that he was carrying a 7lb penalty. Celestin and Monarch Of Egypt both have solid each-way claims, while Ropey Guest could outrun big odds.
Prediction : 1st King Leonidas 2nd Molatham 3rd Celestin

Modern News made a successful debut over 6f at Newmarket and the son of Shamardal has to be respected. It is interesting that Aidan O'Brien sends Battleground, who is the first foal out of Found, here after finishing fifth in a maiden at Naas last week. He was certainly an eyecatcher that day, staying on well over an inadequate 6f, and when Churchill won this race for Ballydoyle in 2016, he had only a debut defeat to his name. However, preference is for CONCESSIONS, who had much more in hand than the official distance suggests at Chelmsford. Debutant winners from this yard are usually above average and she must not be underestimated. Bright Devil and Golden Flame are others who merit consideration.
Prediction : 1st Concessions 2nd Battleground 3rd Modern News

Aidan O'Brien has won seven of the last 14 renewals of this prestigious Group 1 contest and many punters will have been disappointed to see Kew Gardens ruled out last week. He would surely have gone close after beating Stradivarius on Champions Day during the autumn, and it is peculiar to see Ballydoyle without a representative in 2020. Stradivarius did win this in 2018 and 2019, but his Coronation Cup third at Newmarket two weeks ago wasn't exactly a soft preparation run and maybe he will be vulnerable going back up in distance. Cross Counter seems held on form behind him, and perhaps the line of form worth following is the Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp last year, where Technician accounted for MOONLIGHT SPIRIT. The latter gave a great sight from the front end that day and is expected to have developed even further during his winter break.
Prediction : 1st Moonlight Spirit 2nd Stradivarius 3rd Technician

FINEST SOUND shaped with lots of promise as a juvenile, placing on all three appearances, and he looks even better at three judging on his impressive comeback victory at Haydock. A 5lb penalty shouldn't pose too many problems and, with luck in running, he ought to go close. Enemy also made an encouraging return to action at Yarmouth, staying on powerfully over 7f, and he makes plenty of appeal with an extra furlong to run at. Starcat failed to land a blow in the 2000 Guineas but is interesting on his handicap debut, while Newbury scorer Johan merits shortlist inclusion too.
Prediction : 1st Finest Sound 2nd Enemy 3rd Starcat

AFRICAN DREAM has been well found in the market following her narrow defeat to the Rockfel runner-up at Newbury last week, when attempting to give her 7lb. Providing she can handle the quick turnaround, John Gosden's representative makes plenty of appeal being 16lb well in. Soffika has the scope to prove herself to be a lot better than her opening mark of 97 suggests, with the step up in trip to aid her cause. Waliyak got off the mark at the third time of asking at Wolverhampton in November and warrants plenty of respect along with Wejdan, who was highly tried following an impressive debut success at Newbury. Dubai Love performed well in Meydan over the winter and boasts a very interesting jockey booking in Frankie Dettori for his old ally Saeed bin Suroor.
Prediction : 1st African Dream 2nd Soffika 3rd Waliyak