UK Horse Racing Tips: Royal Ascot

Lead Artist was tenacious when he shaded victory over Dancing Gemini in the Lockinge at Newbury and there is very little to choose between these two high-class individuals as they gear up for what promises to be another thrilling encounter. However, ROSALLION's third-placed finish that day was a very encouraging effort. That was his first start since he sealed victory with a lightning burst of speed in the St James's Palace here 12 months ago and he merits the utmost respect once again. Notable Speech, who was fourth in the Lockinge, and the now Australian-trained Carl Spackler add further depth to a splendid curtain raiser.
Prediction : 1st Rosallion 2nd Lead Artist 3rd Dancing Gemini

Military Code has plenty going for him after accounting for two subsequent winners under a penalty over 5f at this venue last month and is hard to ignore. Postmodern made a deep impression when bolting up on his introduction at Yarmouth and will likely have his supporters. The same can be said for Underwriter after his smooth debut success at Ayr, but the vote goes to GSTAAD. The son of Starspandledbanner turned over an odds-on stable companion at Navan last month and he shaped as if he might take a big step forward for that experience.
Prediction : 1st Gstaad 2nd Military Code 3rd Postmodern

Asfoora beat Regional (second) when taking this contest last year with Believing back in fourth. The latter has improved subsequently and arrives on the back of a victory in the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan in April. George Boughey's mare will be hard to keep out of the frame, but NIGHT RAIDER also drops back to the minimum trip with strong claims. The son of Dark Angel has bags of early pace and made all to win a Listed contest over 6f at Newcastle last term. A respectable third in the 1895 Duke Of York on his reappearance, this stiff 5f will suit the four-year-old. The Temple Stakes winner Mgheera is another to consider .
Prediction : 1st Night Raider 2nd Believing 3rd Asfoora

FIELD OF GOLD's emphatic success in the Irish 2,000 Guineas confirmed him to be a top-class miler and the son of Kingman can enhance his reputation by adding this showpiece event to his portfolio. Having run out of track when chasing home Ruling Court in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket last month, the John and Thady Gosden-trained colt has every chance of turning things around with his likely key rival. The supporting cast is headed by Henri Matisse, whose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf and French Guineas successes bring him into the equation. Rashabar and Officer are respected but already have something to find with Field Of Gold based on their encounter at the Curragh.
Prediction : 1st Field Of Gold 2nd Ruling Court 3rd Henri Matisse

Chester Cup hero East India Dock has an 8lb higher rating to contend with, but it would be no surprise to see him feature. Willie Mullins has a strong hand with Reaching High and Poniros, with a slight preference for the former after his runner-up effort at Leopardstown and the booking of Ryan Moore catching the eye. However, LIARI made a strong impression when scoring by five lengths over 1m6f at Newmarket last time and he may relish this extra distance. The son of Cracksman makes only his second start for the Michael Bell yard and he could be the one to beat.
Prediction : 1st Liari 2nd East India Dock 3rd Reaching High

It was hard not to be impressed by Ecureuil Secret's success on his first start in a handicap at Epsom earlier in the month and the son of Wootton Bassett looks well worth his place in this class. Liberty Lane beat Meydaan by a neck at this level at Goodwood last month and he can confirm his authority over that rival to have a say, but a chance can be taken on TORITO. The five-year-old finished third in last year's renewal and the son of Kingman hasn't been seen since. He remains unexposed and sports first-time cheekpieces, which could eke out the improvement required to score.
Prediction : 1st Torito 2nd Ecureuil Secret 3rd Liberty Lane

Willie Mullins has sent out the last two winners of this event, so Charlus deserves plenty of respect with Ryan Moore doing the steering. An import from France, where he won three times on the Flat, he can feature returning to this code, but FRENCH MASTER makes most appeal. A progressive son of Frankel, John & Thady Gosden's charge won at Goodwood on his first start over 1m6f and remains open to further improvement in first-time blinkers. Caballo De Mar is another on the upgrade, having scored over 2m at Haydock last time, while Champagne Prince is also noted.
Prediction : 1st French Master 2nd Charlus 3rd Caballo De Mar