UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

The consistent Thank You Ma'am won readily over C&D just before Christmas and, open to further progress over this trip, has major claims despite a 7lb higher mark. However, JILAIJONE, whose yard won the 2023 renewal, was equally impressive when he won over 2m4f at Uttoxeter last month and this step up in trip could be ideal after that wide-margin success. An 8lb higher rating could well be within range for David Pipe's gelding. Greyval, Bective Abbey and Hardy Fella are other solid options for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Jilaijone 2nd Thank You Maam 3rd Greyval

This race was nominated for JINGKO BLUE straight after his ready success in a Grade 2 at Windsor last month and provides the son of Great Pretender with a fitting challenge now he has proven a three-mile stamina test can bring the best out of him. A 5lb penalty obvious makes thing tougher for Nicky Henderson's six-year-old. However, he had enough to spare over Lowry's Bar (runner-up) at Windsor to suggest he can cement his authority. The Changing Man and Peaky Boy have something to find on the ratings but are fully entitled to take their chance.
Prediction : 1st Jingko Blue 2nd Lowrys Bar 3rd The Changing Man

The still low-mileage Altobelli is an obvious starting point after his C&D win last month and should make a bold bid to overcome a 5lb higher mark. Joyeux Machin is also high on the shortlist after hinting at a revival at Wetherby a fortnight ago. However, a low weight has been beneficial in recent renewals and, with that in mind, the progressive PATRIOTIK could be worth chancing on the back of a good second at this level over 2m4f at Aintree on Boxing Day. Classic King and Country Park are other appealing each-way options.
Prediction : 1st Patriotik 2nd Altobelli 3rd Joyeux Machin

Three-time C&D winner VICTTORINO stayed on well to land the Silver Cup just before Christmas and, upped 3lb, he looks the one to side with in a bid to bring up the double. Snipe was far from disgraced when third in the Great Yorkshire at Doncaster last month and he has to be of interest off an unchanged mark, while Hasthing looks to be in the fast lane of improvement and completes the shortlist off a career-high mark.
Prediction : 1st Victtorino 2nd Snipe 3rd Hasthing

Corbetts Cross wasn't disgraced when finishing sixth in the King George over 3m at Kempton and he warrants respect, though there is a suspicion that he may find things happening too quickly for him over this reduced trip. That said, last year's winner PIC D'ORHY gets the vote. The 10-year-old took advantage of an excellent opportunity when scoring over C&D on his seasonal reappearance in November and that should have put him cherry ripe for another tilt at this. Runner-up behind the selection in this last year, L'Homme Presse boasts strong credentials following his Cotswold Chase success at Cheltenham last month.
Prediction : 1st Pic DOrhy 2nd Corbetts Cross 3rd LHomme Presse

KINGSTON PRIDE pulled up in the Grade 2 Winter Novices' Hurdle at Sandown in December and a 71-day break could prove just the tonic. Nicky Henderson's gelding had previously looked one to follow when making a winning hurdles bow at Uttoxeter and is taken to resume his progress. The biggest threat may emerge from Crest Of Fortune, who has filled the runner-up berth on his last two outings, ahead of First Confession.
Prediction : 1st Kingston Pride 2nd Crest Of Fortune 3rd First Confession

BELLE LE GRAND justified strong support in the market when gaining a breakthrough victory in a bumper at Fairyhouse for previous handler Yvonne Latta in October. Now under the tutelage of Dan Skelton, the six-year-old looks more than capable of defying a 4lb penalty and she's taken to follow up. There was plenty to like about Jackie Hobbs' opening victory under Rules at Ludlow 73 days ago and she's feared most, ahead of Neon Madonna.
Prediction : 1st Belle Le Grand 2nd Jackie Hobbs 3rd Neon Madonna