UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

Kloth Of Utopia is a half-brother to the classy Theleme and the French raider, who won at Auteuil last month, looks an exciting prospect. Ground conditions won't be as testing on this occasion, though, and he will need to prove himself, so the vote goes to TOUQUET. Paul Nicholls' gelding impressed when winning decisively on his hurdling debut recently and with a step up in trip likely to suit, it would come as no surprise were he to find further progress. Excello was pulled up in the Ultima when last seen but he's of definite interest back over hurdles.
Prediction : 1st Touquet 2nd Kloth Of Utopia 3rd Excello

BATWOMEN proved she was no joker in the pack when making a successful handicap debut at Fontwell last month. A subsequent 5lb rise shouldn't prevent the unexposed mare from mounting another stern challenge and she gets the vote over Perth scorer Scarlet O'Tara. Midnightreflection had been in better form prior to landing this under Charlie Case 12 months ago, but given that she is now 8lb below that mark it would be unwise to rule her out.
Prediction : 1st Batwomen 2nd Scarlet OTara 3rd Midnightreflection

It's been a while since Dashel Drasher's last spin over fences, but he's seldom been out of the first three in this discipline and is respected in receipt of 6lb from PIC D'ORHY, although Paul Nicholls' nine-year-old remains the one to beat. A bloodless winner of this contest 12 months ago, he later added the Ascot Chase to his CV before being pulled up in the Melling at Aintree. Wind surgery might have done him the world of good and he receives a confident vote. Le Patron looks best placed to chase the pair home.
Prediction : 1st Pic DOrhy 2nd Dashel Drasher 3rd Le Patron

Art Decco commands respect on the back of registering a hat-trick over fences and may have more to give even though he has risen 19lb in the process. However, these are deeper waters and with that in mind, last season's Midlands National winner, BEAUPORT, could be the way to go. Effective when fresh, this should be an ideal test of stamina for the consistent nine-year-old, whose chance would be enhanced if further rain hit the track. Fortescue and Inis Oirr are a couple of other doughty stayers to consider.
Prediction : 1st Beauport 2nd Art Decco 3rd Fortescue

GOLDEN ACE, who supplemented her Ryanair Mares' Hurdle win at the Cheltenham Festival with a comfortable Listed-race success at the same venue when she was last seen, is hard to oppose with her bid to maintain her unbeaten status over timber. The terms of this event give her a solid chance of coping with her penalties gained as a novice and further progression is very possible. Last year's winner Blueking D'oroux is an obvious threat given his record when fresh. Triumph Hurdle third Salver also adds depth to a solid renewal.
Prediction : 1st Golden Ace 2nd Blueking Doroux 3rd Salver

MARTATOR was value for more than the winning margin when scoring over C&D on his return earlier in the month ad the seven-year-old should be able to uphold form with Kotmask (third). He can land the five-timer at the main expense of Marvel De Cerisy, who has made a terrific start to the season in France with valuable wins over both hurdles and fences. Sans Bruit went well for a long way in the Haldon Gold Cup and must be considered on his return to this level.
Prediction : 1st Martator 2nd Marvel De Cerisy 3rd Kotmask

The Ben Clarke stable can do little wrong at present, and this appeals as an ideal opportunity for RI NA CUIRTE to land the double after a determined success over further at Fontwell last time out. Copshill Lad was a major improver on his first start for new connections when scoring at Stratford on his latest outing and is likely to enter calculations. Spring Gale must also be of interest stepping up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Ri Na Cuirte 2nd Copshill Lad 3rd Spring Gale