UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

Back In Black lost nothing in defeat when finishing runner-up behind a potentially useful sort at Yarmouth on his debut in May and he should be thereabouts once more with the promise of more to come. That said, AL MISBAR edges preference. The Blue Point half-brother to Battaash cost 1.5m guineas as a yearling and represents the red-hot Charlie Appleby and William Buick combination. Echalar and Fire Flame are also considered first time out.
Prediction : 1st Al Misbar 2nd Back In Black 3rd Echalar

MANDURAH impressed when scoring at Newmarket on debut, travelling well before putting the race to bed in a matter of strides, and she gets the nod to make it two wins from as many starts for her in-form stable. Simmering was beaten less than a length into second in the Albany so must enter calculations, while Betty Clover has shown enough to suggest that she can be competitive in a race of this nature and can outrun her forecast odds now tackling 6f for the first time.
Prediction : 1st Mandurah 2nd Simmering 3rd Betty Clover

SIRONA has done little wrong since joining the David Menuisier stable, posting two admirable placed efforts over 7f before finishing a staying-on fifth in the Falmouth. In calmer waters here, this progressive four-year-old can make a bold bid to give weight and a beating to some younger rivals. Dangers are aplenty, though, and the unbeaten Listed winner Devoted Queen is feared most, while Sandringham heroine Soprano showed she is still in form when third in the Coral Distaff at Sandown.
Prediction : 1st Sirona 2nd Devoted Queen 3rd Soprano

Hickory outran odds of 50/1 when second in this 12 months ago. Northern Express, who often goes well in this type of contest, and Fresh, who is 7lb lower than when taking this in 2022, are others to note. Aalto is 4lb well-in having recorded a comfortable success in the Bunbury Cup. Carrytheone met trouble when fourth in that race, having also struggled to gain a clear passage in the Buckingham Palace (third), a race which saw Billyjoh fill the runner-up spot. METAL MERCHANT travelled strongly into contention when seventh in the Hunt Cup before fading on soft ground at Sandown, and he could represent some value now dropped in trip.
Prediction : 1st Metal Merchant 2nd Hickory 3rd Aalto

Auguste Rodin, a six-time winner at the highest level including in last year's Derby, will be tough to beat following his triumph in the Prince Of Wales's here, but REBEL'S ROMANCE shades preference. Charlie Appleby's globetrotter took the Sheema Classic at Meydan before going on to notch up further Group 1 success in Hong Kong. The son of Dubawi appears to have come into his own this year and it would be no surprise were he to continue his upward trajectory. Bluestocking is another who seems to have matured this season and is worth considering in receipt of 3lb from her main market rivals. Sunway was slightly unfortunate in the Prix du Jockey Club before finishing an excellent second in the Irish Derby and is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Rebels Romance 2nd Auguste Rodin 3rd Bluestocking

Charlie Appleby has an excellent record in this contest and AL QUDRA can provide him with more success. Although the Coventry form, a race in which he finished fifth, hasn't worked out particularly well, the No Nay Never colt sets a lofty standard and is expected to prove even better at this longer trip. Chancellor looked potentially smart when winning at Doncaster on debut and improvement ought to be on the cards. Brian, New Century and Dividend shouldn't be underestimated.
Prediction : 1st Al Qudra 2nd Chancellor 3rd Brian

A taking winner on his return from a 317-day break at Newcastle, ELNAJMM remains unexposed after just five career outings and this track should suit as he looks to follow up off 10lb higher. Sterling Knight narrowly got the better of Tempus when scoring at Newmarket and can uphold that form, despite being 1lb worse off. Tolstoy arrives on a four-timer and could improve for the step up to a mile, while Great Blasket has strong claims as well.
Prediction : 1st Elnajmm 2nd Sterling Knight 3rd Tolstoy

An unlucky loser when repeatedly short of room and eventually finishing second over C&D, ALBASHEER looks the one to beat, granted a clearer run on this occasion. The six-year-old has been winless on turf since last August, but he can put the record straight against the likes of C&D winner Woolhampton and Woodhay Wonder, who was on a five-timer when a fine fourth at the Royal meeting here. Pepsi Cat and Brave Nation can also have a say.
Prediction : 1st Albasheer 2nd Woodhay Wonder 3rd Woolhampton