UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

SIR RUMI notched up a comfortable success at Epsom last month and was arguably worth more than the winning margin would suggest. Richard Hannon's charge must now compete from a 4lb higher mark, but that might not be enough to stop him from repeating the dose. Saratoga Gold showed significant improvement last season, and it would be no surprise were he to resume his progress following a 216-day absence. Green Team heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Sir Rumi 2nd Saratoga Gold 3rd Green Team

MOUNTAIN SONG made no mistake when stepping into handicap company at Southwell last month. The daughter of Sea The Stars appeals as a likely improver switched to turf for the first time, and she can shrug off a subsequent 7lb rise in the handicap to double her tally. One Morning bumped into the smart Laurel at Kempton when last seen, so she could be well treated from an opening mark of 82. Belhaven cruised to success at Nottingham 11 days ago and she merits respect, despite the step up in class.
Prediction : 1st Mountain Song 2nd One Morning 3rd Belhaven

Last year's winner Vafortino is now 6lb higher, but he proved the ability to be competitive from his current mark when finishing a good second to the reopposing Rebel Territory at Newmarket last month. Both must enter calculations, along with Rainbow Fire, who was successful at Haydock two weeks ago. The vote, though, goes to BARADAR. His third-placed effort in the Lincoln can be upgraded, having seemingly been drawn on the wrong side of the track, so he could be a winner in waiting from an unchanged mark. Others to note include River Nymph, Fresh, and Spycatcher.
Prediction : 1st Baradar 2nd Vafortino 3rd Rebel Territory

Valour And Swagger struck by over six lengths at Windsor on his debut over this trip and that was a very likeable performance, but he now carries a 6lb penalty, which is negated by his rider's 3lb claim. With that in mind, the vote goes to OCEAN RUNNER. The son of Blue Point was a 625,000gns purchase and represents the stable who won this race with subsequent Gimcrack winner Noble Style last year. With plenty of speed in his pedigree, he is likely to go very close. Any market support for Golden Arrow should be noted.
Prediction : 1st Ocean Runner 2nd Valour And Swagger 3rd Golden Arrow

MAASAI MARA was beaten four lengths into second on his handicap bow last time at Kempton over 1m4f, and that form is already working out well with the fourth coming out and winning since. John and Thady Gosden's gelding returns to turf off the same mark and is fancied to produce a strong account. The main threat looks to be Shahbaz, who ran a creditable third at Newmarket last month and could have a say, as his rating remains unchanged for that display. Dasho Lennie is also considered on his first start in a handicap.
Prediction : 1st Maasai Mara 2nd Shahbaz 3rd Dasho Lennie

A taking winner on her first go at this trip at Nottingham, PEACE OF MINE should be open to plenty more improvement on just her fifth career outing. A 7lb rise for that success looks manageable and she can see off the likes of Lingfield scorer Chips And Rice, as well as Lady Eros, who has the potential to progress for stepping up in trip. Dubai Crystal and Silver Nightfall are others capable of being in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Peace Of Mine 2nd Chips And Rice 3rd Dubai Crystal

COCO BEAR has been in a rich vein form to begin this season and conditions look to be in his favour once more as he aims to land the hat-trick. A career-high mark of 76 will make life tougher, but he is narrowly preferred to last year's winner Mister Bluebird, and Cooperation, who was a comfortable winner at Thirsk last week. Course regular Spirited Guest and Strong Power are also on the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Coco Bear 2nd Mister Bluebird 3rd Cooperation