UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

After nearly a year off due to injury, Kyprios returned to the track to finish second when looking to defend his Irish St Leger crown over 1m6f at the Curragh last month. Connections will be hoping that the cobwebs have been blown off and their superstar stayer is back to his best. However, it's TRUESHAN who gets the nod to reverse the form of the 2022 Goodwood Cup and get the better of Aidan O'Brien's charge today. Alan King's runner has been in fine form recently, winning the Doncaster Cup and the Group 1 Prix du Cadran over 2m4f at Longchamp in ready fashion last time, and he has conditions that suit today. Sweet William heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Trueshan 2nd Kyprios 3rd Sweet William

A somewhat unlucky loser (runner-up) in the Prix de la Foret last month when not getting a clear run inside the final furlong, KINROSS can gain compensation on the drop in trip and follow up last year's emphatic success in this contest. Ground conditions should be ideal for Ralph Beckett's charge as he looks to give Frankie Dettori a Group 1-winning send off on his Ascot swan song. A comfortable winner of the Park Stakes at Doncaster, C&D winner Sandrine is of interest now back over 6f, while Spycatcher and last year's sixth Vadream should enjoy conditions. Not beaten far in the Haydock Spring Cup, Believing is a key player, along with Mill Stream, who has had a very progressive season.
Prediction : 1st Kinross 2nd Sandrine 3rd Believing

TIME LOCK seems impervious to the state of the ground and, having easily brushed aside Sweet Memories (second) and Running Lion (third) when landing the Dubai Stakes at Newmarket last month, she is likely to make a bold bid to extend her winning run to three on the bounce. Obviously, this is a stiffer test and the challenges presented by the less exposed Jackie Oh and high-class Free Wind are afforded the utmost respect, with the latter looking the pick of that pair given the Gosden's fine record in this race. Rue Boissonade's French form has plenty of depth and she, too, is a must for consideration.
Prediction : 1st Time Lock 2nd Free Wind 3rd Jackie Oh

Paddington's winning run came to an end in the Juddmonte International when third to Mostahdaf having been kept busy since the beginning of the season. The four-time Group 1 winner has been freshened up for this, but it remains to be seen whether his schedule earlier in the campaign has left a mark and, therefore, the vote goes to NASHWA. She finished ahead of Aidan O'Brien's colt at York and backed that up when a close third in the Irish Champion Stakes. With conditions on the softer side and the manner of her impressive win in the Falmouth fresh in the mind, this appears to be a shrewd move by connections. Tahiyra's bid may be dampened by persistent rain, so the other main challengers could prove to be the French duo of Big Rock and Facteur Cheval.
Prediction : 1st Nashwa 2nd Big Rock 3rd Facteur Cheval

A few with chances, including last year's winner Bay Bridge, who arrives following a creditable sixth in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and progressive French raider Horizon Dore. That said, it might pay to side with MOSTAHDAF. The son of Frankel landed the Prince Of Wales's Stakes here in June and was given an excellent ride in the Juddmonte at York next time. He appears to have matured ten-fold this season, and the Group 1 hat-trick does not look beyond him. Via Sistina will be suited by underfoot conditions and should not be underestimated.
Prediction : 1st Mostahdaf 2nd Bay Bridge 3rd Horizon Dore

In a wide-open renewal of this valuable handicap marginal preference is for AWAAL, who arrives here 1lb lower than when third in the Royal Hunt Cup over course and distance in June. He confirmed his well-being when filling the same position at Listed level two weeks ago and he should relish conditions. Migration beat the selection in the Lincoln earlier in the year but may not be able to confirm that form on these terms. Docklands remains unexposed and should not be discounted, while Lattam has to be of some interest in first-time cheekpieces. The shortlist is completed by Raadobarg, Sonny Liston and Vetiver.
Prediction : 1st Awaal 2nd Migration 3rd Docklands