UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

Jackstell has undergone wind surgery since a slightly disappointing effort at Lingfield and warrants respect on the form of his penultimate second behind the smart Horaces Pearl, but WICKED THOUGHTS shades the verdict. He is rated 5lb higher than Jamie Snowden's gelding and the form of his Hereford second was boosted when the third came out and won next time. Three-time Flat scorer Haaland could prove next best, with Sean Bowen a positive jockey booking.
Prediction : 1st Wicked Thoughts 2nd Jackstell 3rd Haaland

All eight of the declared runners look to have some sort of chance, so STAR OF GUITING receives what can only be a tentative vote. He has performed to a decent level on all four hurdle starts to date, winning two including cheekily at Market Rasen last time, and a mark of 112 certainly doesn't look beyond him. Stablemate Ocean Conquest also merits consideration following two solid runner-up efforts, while Galactic Charm is unlikely to be far away either.
Prediction : 1st Star Of Guiting 2nd Ocean Conquest 3rd Galactic Charm

KOTMASK looks the one to beat dropped in both grade and trip. His overall Ascot record is encouraging, winning once and placing twice from six visits, and this is the first time that he has dropped into class 3 company since February last year. Coastguard Station disappointed over hurdles at Doncaster last time but much better is expected on his return to chasing, while Hypotenus could go well off his light weight if allowed to dictate matters.
Prediction : 1st Kotmask 2nd Coastguard Station 3rd Hypotenus

MISS IRELAND took a big step forward when only beaten a nose into second over an extended 2m3f at Lingfield last month. The step up in trip and switch to handicap company could see the daughter of Yeats go one better here. That said, Native Moon also hit the crossbar on his most recent outing and Jeremy Scott's gelding should not be underestimated. Briefly is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Miss Ireland 2nd Native Moon 3rd Briefly

Credo has to be of interest having won two of her last three starts, although a 6lb penalty for the latest of those victories is a concern. Similar comments apply to the hat-trick seeking Northern Poet, but the vote goes to TWO FOR GOLD. The 12-year-old failed to fire in a valuable event here in December but is now 4lb lower than when an encouraging fourth in another competitive contest over C&D the time before. On that evidence, he could take some stopping if returning to form.
Prediction : 1st Two For Gold 2nd Credo 3rd Northern Poet

COURT CIAN appeared to have plenty in hand when winning over 2m7f at Market Rasen earlier in the month and that was his third win from his last five starts. A 5lb rise may still underestimate this progressive seven-year-old and he merits plenty of respect. Loverdose is also going in the right direction and could give the selection most to think about. Court In The Act is best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Court Cian 2nd Loverdose 3rd Court In The Act