UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

Having shared the spoils in six of the last 10 runnings, Aidan O'Brien and the Gosden stable look likely to dominate once more. St Leger third Stay True is an intriguing representative for the Irish maestro and he makes plenty of appeal in receipt of a 7lb weight-for-age allowance. However, the son of Galileo isn't certain to stay on his first attempt over 2m and 2023 British Champions Long Distance Cup winner TRAWLERMAN rates as the most solid proposition. The seven-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season, making all in the Gold Cup here in June the highlight, and he can further cement himself at the top of the staying division. Stablemate Sweet William has hit the frame in the last two renewals and is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Trawlerman 2nd Stay True 3rd Sweet William

Unbeaten in three starts since being gelded, WORDS OF TRUTH is straightforward and progressive. The son of Lope De Vega broke his maiden with a dominant effort over course and distance in July, before coasting home under a penalty in novices' event a Newmarket the following month. However, his power-packed finish when landing the Mill Reef at Newbury earmarked him as a horse of enormous potential for the future races open to him. He is hard to oppose here. Division is equally on an upwards trajectory, with last week's success in the Rockingham at York noted as the ready the pick of his three career wins so far. A likely pace angle, Sir Albert shouldn't be underestimated back over 6f, while the Redcar Two-Year-Old Trophy winner, Ardisia, remains on the upgrade and cannot be ruled out.
Prediction : 1st Words Of Truth 2nd Division 3rd Sir Albert

The sprint division has produced a whole host of different results this season and with a maximum field going to post, it points to another open affair, where it may pay to side with the talented MONTASSIB. William Haggas' charge caught the eye on his return to action at Newbury last month when staying on strongly for third over 5f. Going back up in trip should suit, having landed the Sprint Cup at Haydock last year, before subsequently a fast-finishing fifth 12 months ago. Big Mojo had the likes of Kind Of Blue (second) and Flora Of Bermuda (third) behind in this year's renewal of the Sprint Cup, and it may be that the aforementioned pair overturn that form in a race where they finished first and third in last year. Returning to the scene of his career-best success in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee looks like a major plus for Lazzat. He completes the shortlist with 2023 winner Art Power.
Prediction : 1st Montassib 2nd Kind Of Blue 3rd Big Mojo

Last year's hero Kalpana bids to regain her crown after an in-and-out season. Andrew Balding's filly was turned over by Giavellotto in the September Stakes prior to finishing two places in front of Quisisana when only seventh in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Estrange has only found Minnie Hauk too good in three starts this year and connections were left disappointed after she scoped dirty before a tilt at the Arc, but she possesses plenty of ability and needs to be taken seriously. However, WAARDAH beat Danielle by just under a length in the Lillie Langtry at Goodwood in August, proving there are no doubts about her stamina. Owen Burrows' filly has been brought along steadily and could have plenty more in the locker on just her sixth career appearance.
Prediction : 1st Waardah 2nd Kalpana 3rd Estrange

This prestigious prize has gone back to France in two of the last five years. Facteur Cheval is their sole representative this term, but he was second in the corresponding event 12 months ago and wouldn't be out of this should any rain arrive. However, the antepost market suggests the trophy will stay on home soil this year, which could be courtesy of FIELD OF GOLD. Second in the 2000 Guineas before landing the Irish equivalent and the St James's Palace, the Kingman colt appeared to have a valid excuse when reportedly lame after disappointing in the Sussex at Goodwood. Freshened up since, this should be much more to his liking and, if taking official ratings at face value, the Gosdens can land this for the first time since Roaring Lion in 2018. Fallen Angel completed a hat-trick of Group 1 successes in the Sun Chariot a fortnight ago and must be given the utmost respect along with Docklands, who has yet to finish outside of the top three in seven visits here. Rosallion is undoubtedly from the upper echelons but has been a little frustrating this season, so the rapidly-improving City Of York hero Never So Brave could be a bigger threat.
Prediction : 1st Field Of Gold 2nd Fallen Angel 3rd Never So Brave

Ombudsman got revenge on Delacroix after his Coral-Eclipse defeat to turn the tables in an oddly-run Juddmonte International. The Gosdens' four-year-old benefitted from a fierce pace set that day and similar is expected with stablemate Devil's Advocate in the line-up. Aidan O'Brien described the York showpiece as a non-event and after Delacroix's victory in the Irish Champion next time, he may be proved correct, which would make it 2-1 in favour of Ballydoyle. Last year's runner-up Calandagan is bound to attract plenty of support, but a chance can be taken on FIRST LOOK. Andre Fabre's son of Lope De Vega is unbeaten since being gelded, most recently beating Bay City Roller in the Prix Dollar at Longchamp. There is a suspicion the four-year-old is the type his maestro handler does incredibly well with and he may just be peaking at the perfect time.
Prediction : 1st First Look 2nd Delacroix 3rd Ombudsman

Having relished a return to a mile when scoring in good style over C&D last month, Shout merits respect on his current upward trajectory. However, three-year-olds have only managed one success in this contest since its inception 11 years ago and it may pay to focus on the older generation. Four-year-olds have proved triumphant in four of the last eight renewals, with NATIVE WARRIOR ticking plenty of the right boxes. Karl Burke's inmate arrives at the top of his game after scoring twice here in recent weeks, including the Challenge Cup last time, and he looks ready once again for the extra furlong. Arisaig has been far from disgraced outside of handicap company on her last two outings and makes some each-way appeal, while Great Acclaim has been shaping as if this longer distance could eke out further improvement.
Prediction : 1st Native Warrior 2nd Shout 3rd Arisaig