UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

Top-weight SCAMALLACH LIATH was a comfortable winner over an extended 3m here last month and a subsequent 6lb rise not be enough to stop him today, on what is just his second start for Harry Derham's yard. Wrappedupinmay steps up in trip for his handicap debut, as does Micro Millions, with the pair both meriting the utmost respect. Zonda could improve for the addition of a first-time tongue-tie, while Top Cloud, a winner on three of his last four starts, is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Scamallach Liath 2nd Wrappedupinmay 3rd Micro Millions

Already a Grade 2 winner over fences, SOLO is presented with a golden opportunity to further enhance his profile and, assuming he finds no issues with returning to this trip, this could prove to be a straightforward task. Straw Fan Jack has something to find based on the official ratings but, as he proved with a respectable second-placed finish here last moth, he is dangerous to underestimate. Nicky Henderson's newcomer, Excello, has experience of fences from his time in France and can only benefit form his first start on these shores.
Prediction : 1st Solo 2nd Straw Fan Jack 3rd Excello

TRIPLE TRADE has taken his form to a new level this season with a string of consistent performances including a victory at Cheltenham in November. The seven-year-old finished a solid third in a valuable handicap here last time and this appears to be a fine opportunity for him to get back to winning ways. Black Gerry drops in class after being pulled up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham and it would be no surprise to see him return to form. Others to consider include Cap Du Mathan and Harper's Brook.
Prediction : 1st Triple Trade 2nd Black Gerry 3rd Cap Du Mathan

A fascinating battle between Champ, who goes well fresh, three-time winner Paisley Park and the up-and-coming youngsters looking to take over at the top. West Balboa fits the latter category at the age of seven and has won four of her six starts over hurdles making her a serious contender, but a chance is taken on BLUEKING D'OROUX. Unbeaten this season over shorter, Paul Nicholls steps him up to 3m for the first time, and he could yet surprise them all if staying the distance.
Prediction : 1st Blueking Doroux 2nd West Balboa 3rd Champ

Victtorino returned from a break to score on his first attempt over fences in the UK when taking a valuable prize over C&D last month, and he commands plenty of respect off a 4lb higher mark. Blackjack Magic is firmly on the upgrade and arrives following a career-best effort in the Badger Beer at Wincanton, while Git Maker's Lingfield success gives him every chance of being in the mix. However, Gavin Cromwell saddles two live chances with Yeah Man, a faller here last month, and HASCOEUR CLERMONT, who gets the vote based on his Cheltenham victory. The form received a boost with the runner-up landing the Becher Chase and the use of Conor Stone-Walsh's 5lb claim further enhances his credentials.
Prediction : 1st Hascoeur Clermont 2nd Yeah Man 3rd Victtorino

The Greatwood Hurdle winner, IBERICO LORD, has been highly progressive since he joined the Nicky Henderson yard and is difficult to oppose, despite going up 8lb for last month's Cheltenham success. Luccia (third), Nemean Lion (fifth) and Onlyamatteroftime (ran out) all renew rivalries from that race and can make this a good test on the revised terms. However, the selection's stablemate Impose Toi has answered every question asked of him lately and may well emerge as the biggest threat to his travel companion. Altobelli and Hansard deepen the level of competition.
Prediction : 1st Iberico Lord 2nd Impose Toi 3rd Luccia