UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

Easter Icon accounted for his nearest rival by two and a half lengths over an extended 2m5f at Fontwell last time and should remain competitive off a 7lb higher rating. However, the vote goes to NACHTGEIST, who finished well clear of the third when filling the runner-up spot at Huntingdon and is only 1lb higher. The four-year-old might be able to record his first success in this sphere, while Gentleman's Relish is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Nachtgeist 2nd Easter Icon 3rd Gentlemans Relish

Samarrive hasn't been seen since hitting the crossbar over track and trip just under year ago and it would be no surprise to see him go close off 2lb lower on his return to action. However, he might come out second best to BHALOO, who occupied the runner-up berth on his handicap debut over hurdles at Warwick in May and now makes his first chase start. Nicky Henderson's six-year-old might prove a different proposition over fences and gets the nod. What Path completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Bhaloo 2nd Samarrive 3rd What Path

Saint Segal returned from a wind operation to finish a well-beaten fourth at Chepstow last month, but he might improve on that effort and isn't dismissed off a 2lb lower mark. However, MARTATOR looks the way to go. Venetia Williams' seven-year-old completed a hat-trick in fine style at Sandown on his latest outing and a 7lb rise might prove to be lenient. Frere d'Armes was denied by a length into second at Kempton recently and can fight it out for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Martator 2nd Saint Segal 3rd Frere dArmes

Illegal D'ainay made up for his early departure at Uttoxeter in early May when opening his account at Plumpton eight days later. Freddie Gordon's 5lb claim effectively negates most of the 6lb penalty and another prominent role is forecast, but hurdling debutant TRIPOLI FLYER may have too much class. The Fergal O'Brien-trained five-year-old finished a cracking second in the Grade 2 Aintree bumper in April and he is likely to take some stopping. Clap Of Thunder may chase the duo home.
Prediction : 1st Tripoli Flyer 2nd Illegal Dainay 3rd Clap Of Thunder

Having been withdrawn at Cheltenham last week after unseating his jockey and getting loose, Fiercely Proud must keep his temperament in check. Ben Pauling's gelding should have more to offer in this second season over hurdles and he isn't taken lightly, but SECRET SQUIRREL finished two places ahead in fifth when they clashed in the Novices' Championship Final at Sandown in April and shades the verdict. Hat-trick seeking duo Break My Soul and Stream Of Stars may fare best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Secret Squirrel 2nd Fiercely Proud 3rd Break My Soul

HIGHSTAKESPLAYER reappeared from a long absence to score at Kempton in February and after possibly bouncing in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury 22 days later, he then registered another Kempton victory. Having gone well fresh on a right-handed track previously, this unexposed staying chaser gets the vote to score off 5lb higher. Cheltenham Festival winner Chianti Classico wasn't disgraced when fourth in an Aintree Grade 1 and enters calculations, with Amirite and Neon Moon just two more to consider.
Prediction : 1st Highstakesplayer 2nd Chianti Classico 3rd Neon Moon

MISS IRELAND belied obvious inexperience to make a winning start under Rules in a Fontwell bumper and that looked a smart effort, despite her eccentricities throughout the race. Sporting first-time cheekpieces, she gets the vote to go in again and confirm herself a promising individual. There is plenty to like about Eternal Angel's chances on paper and he must enter calculations on his introduction for a top stable. Kajikia and Oakley's Way are also noteworthy.
Prediction : 1st Miss Ireland 2nd Eternal Angel 3rd Kajikia