UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

Only narrowly denied in deeper waters at Windsor earlier this month, SLY MADAM looks the one to beat given that she races off the same mark here. The five-year-old can be forgiven a below-par run in the Kensington Palace at Royal Ascot on her penultimate outing, as she was short of room inside the final furlong. Sheena West's mare is taken to get the better of the unexposed Mars Magic, who makes both his handicap and turf debut following a creditable second at Wolverhampton most recently. Last-time-out winners Island Bandit and Cabinet Of Clowns are just two others with claims.
Prediction : 1st Sly Madam 2nd Mars Magic 3rd Island Bandit

A comfortable winner in novice company over this trip at Carlisle last month, Soldier's Gold must enter calculations on his nursery bow, but a chance can be taken on the grade-dropping PASSIONATELY. Amy Murphy's filly failed to get into contention in the Albany last month, but she kept on well when scoring at Wetherby on her penultimate outing, where the subsequent winner Ninety Nine was fourth. Quickfire scored in maiden company most recently and is another to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Passionately 2nd Soldiers Gold 3rd Quickfire

A case can be made for several of these, but preference lies with OLIVER SHOW. A facile winner on his handicap bow at Kempton last month, this half-brother to the Listed winner Loch Lein indicated that there could be more in his locker and he can secure a double. Tyndrum Gold must hold every chance of building on his seasonal debut at Thirsk last month and is feared most, while the class-dropping Metal Merchant also warrants a market check.
Prediction : 1st Oliver Show 2nd Tyndrum Gold 3rd Metal Merchant

ALPINA EXPRESS arrives here seeking a four-timer and this looks like a nice opportunity to continue that winning sequence. Charlie Johnston's filly was a facile winner over an extended 1m3f at Windsor most recently and a 10lb rise in the ratings might not be enough to halt her progression. Sunset Point appears the biggest danger after a decent second over 1m4f at Goodwood in May, while Dubai Crystal heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Alpina Express 2nd Sunset Point 3rd Dubai Crystal

ELRAAED won over 1m2f at Windsor last time and a repeat of that effort would give him a big chance. Owen Burrows' runner is making his handicap debut here and an opening mark of 84 appears more than workable. Intricacy should also be thereabouts after successive seconds and he's not without a chance off the same mark, while Lion Kingdom is another to keep on side.
Prediction : 1st Elraaed 2nd Intricacy 3rd Lion Kingdom

Popmaster was just touched off over 7f at Newbury last month and another bold bid can be expected, although he may be susceptible to some better treated rivals, such as INGRA TOR. Jack Channon's charge was a good second last time over 6f at Kempton and he shaped as if a win could be just around the corner, despite being handed a 1lb rise in the ratings. Temple Bruer completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Ingra Tor 2nd Popmaster 3rd Temple Bruer