UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

There was plenty to like about CHIANTI CLASSICO's first attempt over fences at Chepstow when jumping with real enthusiasm before staying on strongly to win in fine style. The manner of victory suggested the 8lb rise was more than warranted for Kim Bailey's gelding and this appears to be a fine opportunity for him to take another step up the ladder. Scrum Diddly, twice a winner over hurdles last season, appears the most likely to chase home the selection, with Llandinabo Lad needing a step up in trip to make a difference.
Prediction : 1st Chianti Classico 2nd Scrum Diddly 3rd Llandinabo Lad

Nicky Henderson's French recruit Excello and Leader In The Park - an expensive recruit from the pointing ranks for Ben Pauling - are two fascinating participants here, but a race-fit FARNOGE could take some stopping. Paul Nicholls' bumper winner produced a professional performance to score on his hurdling debut at Newton Abbot recently and, with that experience to draw upon, a penalty may not be insurmountable with this stiffer test likely to play to his strengths.
Prediction : 1st Farnoge 2nd Excello 3rd Leader In The Park

SHISHKIN had no problem handling the step up to 3m1f when taking the Aintree Bowl on his most recent outing and that followed his second in the Ryanair at Cheltenham. The nine-year-old readily accounted for his main rival Pic D'Orhy when winning the Ascot Chase over C&D in February and it is hard to see that form being reversed here. Minella Drama and Straw Fan Jack both have plenty to find with the aforementioned pair but the former is the pick of the duo.
Prediction : 1st Shishkin 2nd Pic DOrhy 3rd Minella Drama

Goshen won this race in blistering fashion 12 months ago and a repeat of that form would make him tough to beat today, but he can be very hard to predict, despite being the highest rated of these rivals. Therefore, the more solid proposition of THEATRE GLORY is fancied to reverse the form with Gary Moore's runner after little separated the pair in the Grade 2 Select Hurdle over the extended 2m5f at Sandown in April. Nicky Henderson's charge (third) might have gone closer than the selection (second) in that race had she benefitted from more luck in running and she has gone well fresh in the past. Blueking D'oroux could be up to this step up in class, while Sceau Royal isn't ruled out if he can return to form.
Prediction : 1st Theatre Glory 2nd Goshen 3rd Blueking Doroux

Lassue (first) returned from a lengthy absence to get the better of FORTUNA LIGNA (second) when the pair met at Chepstow at the end of last month. The former is open to further progression, but the latter has every chance of reversing the form, especially with blinkers being reapplied after they were left off for her return to action. Midnightreflection whipped round at the start and unseated her rider in the aforementioned contest, but she has since finished second at Ludlow and is capable of a decent showing.
Prediction : 1st Fortuna Ligna 2nd Lassue 3rd Midnightreflection

Boothill impressed when notching a second C&D win on his reappearance but he's picked up a hefty 6lb rise for that and better value may lie with one of his younger victims, SAINT SEGAL, who was only six lengths back in third that day despite racing far keener than ideal on his first start for eight months. Corrigeen Rock still looked progressive when scoring at Kempton on his reappearance and should remain competitive despite a 7lb rise, as should Triple Trade, who shoulders a 5lb penalty for last week's Cheltenham win.
Prediction : 1st Saint Segal 2nd Boothill 3rd Corrigeen Rock

WELLINGTON ARCH carries a penalty for his debut victory at Worcester last month but the form has worked out reasonably well, with the runner-up acquitting himself with credit in a Listed contest at Cheltenham last weekend, and he may put that experience to good use here. Regent's Stroll and Tradecraft both make plenty of appeal for leading connections, while Shy Love, a half-brother to smart mare Brandy Love, completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Wellington Arch 2nd Regents Stroll 3rd Tradecraft