UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

It's hard to rule many of these progressive types out, with the hat-trick seeking MAGIC SEVEN shading the verdict. The Jonjo O'Neil-trained gelding won with something in hand on both hurdle victories at Hereford last month and an opening mark of 124 may underestimate him. Rebel Intentions lost little in defeat when finishing third in a strong contest here in late November and the six-year-old is feared most, while handicap debutants Delgany Bobby Blue and Roger Pol can also figure.
Prediction : 1st Magic Seven 2nd Rebel Intentions 3rd Delgany Bobby Blue

WELCOM TO CARTRIES dropped a significant hint of more to come with a highly commendable second-placed finish over 2m3f on his Rules/hurdles debut here last month and is likely to be a key player with a step forward expected. Ideal Des Bordes was a well-held third in that race but is likely to have benefited from that experience and should know more this time. Similar comments apply to Leader In The Park and Havock, who are both shortlisted as potential improvers.
Prediction : 1st Welcom To Cartries 2nd Ideal Des Bordes 3rd Leader In The Park

Persian Time (second) had Lallygag (sixth) behind when second in this grade at Newbury earlier in the month and he can confirm that form here. However, the vote goes to HOMME PUBLIC, who was a two-length winner of a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last time. The son of Cokoriko steps back into handicap company and could prove to be a class above his rivals. Authorised Speed makes his chasing debut and can be in the mix for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Homme Public 2nd Persian Time 3rd Authorised Speed

In a race that may go to one of the less exposed runners, a chance is taken on PONCHO. Gary Moore's gelding was a faller on his last two starts but he could bounce back in this company if sorting out his jumping. If he does put in a clear round, the five-year-old may prove too good for the lightly-raced Jagwar, who has a touch of class about him. Others who make the shortlist are Immortal, Toonagh Warrior and Bad.
Prediction : 1st Poncho 2nd Jagwar 3rd Immortal

DJELO takes a step up in grade following a brace of victories in handicap company at Aintree and Newbury. It was pleasing to see him back up his first success, having faced a lack of obstacles on that occasion, and this appears to be an excellent opportunity for him to continue his progression. Might I finished alone at Exeter when opening his account over the larger obstacles at the second attempt. He is likely to pose a solid threat, while Kandoo Kid appeared to need every yard of the trip to win at Newbury and he may find a test of this nature on the sharp side.
Prediction : 1st Djelo 2nd Might I 3rd Kandoo Kid

In a wide-open event, marginal preference is for CELTIC DINO, who created a big impression when justifying favouritism on his racecourse debut over C&D last month. With the benefit of that experience, Sam Thomas' gelding could prove hard to beat once again. That said, Captain Bellamy also won well on his first outing and is an obvious threat to the selection, while Brechin Castle should not be discounted despite carrying a double penalty. Others to note are I Wont Back Down, Dunskay and Marvellous Mick.
Prediction : 1st Celtic Dino 2nd Captain Bellamy 3rd Brechin Castle