UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

William Stone and Ross Birkett teamed up to win this 12 months ago with the returning Final Watch, who merits respect off just 1lb above that winning mark, but a chance is taken on CONQUISTADOR. The gelded son of U S Navy Flag hasn't been in the same form since running a cracker to finish third in the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the Royal meeting, but returning to this track, combined with a step up in trip, could unlock further improvement. Kimnkate is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Conquistador 2nd Final Watch 3rd Kimnkate

SCENIC has been performing with credit during the season in Listed company, most notably finishing third at York in July, and Ed Walker's filly, who was touched off in a novice event at Salisbury last time, is more than capable of finally shedding the maiden tag. Juana Ines makes her UK debut having won her second career start at Clairefontaine in July. She enters calculations, while Kempton winner Camarrate and Hampden Park are others who are capable of being in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Scenic 2nd Juana Ines 3rd Camarrate

HICKORY arrives here on the back of two placed efforts in valuable handicaps over 7f at this venue in recent months, and he could return to winning ways with his sights now lowered. Daysofourlives and Florida are progressive three-year-olds who could give the selection plenty to think about, although the latter is the slight pick of the pair following his win at York. Jeff Koons edges out Sweet Reward and Orbaan to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Hickory 2nd Florida 3rd Daysofourlives

Chesspiece was a place and a couple of lengths ahead of MIDDLE EARTH when sixth in the St Leger, but the Gosdens' Melrose winner was supplemented for the Classic so must be held in very high regard, and he can improve past his rival on 3lb better terms. Naqeeb is starting to put it all together and deserves a try at Listed company. Lmay, a stablemate of the selection, was behind Climate Friendly at York, but then impressed with the way she travelled into contention in the Park Hill.
Prediction : 1st Middle Earth 2nd Chesspiece 3rd Naqeeb

SEA STONE wasn't beaten far in his attempt to land the hat-trick at Southwell last month, and returning to the turf could see him in a better light as he looks to get back to winning ways. Conditions are in his favour and the four-year-old may have too much for Brave Knight and El Jasor, who could improve for going up in trip. An easy winner at Thirsk on her penultimate outing, Art De Vivre is fancied to be thereabouts as well.
Prediction : 1st Sea Stone 2nd Art De Vivre 3rd El Jasor

DARK THIRTY had a few of these behind when third over this trip at Newmarket's July Festival and has held his form well over 7f since, tasting success at the same venue. The son of Starspangledbanner could relish the return to this distance and is just preferred to C&D winner Lethal Nymph, who was runner-up at Doncaster over an extended 6f last month and is now only 1lb higher. King's Lynn and Mitrosonfire are just a couple more to consider.
Prediction : 1st Dark Thirty 2nd Lethal Nymph 3rd Kings Lynn