UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

FIREFOX comfortably landed a Grade 2 over an extended 2m3f at Down Royal last month and is capable of handling a 7lb penalty incurred for that impressive seasonal debut. This slightly longer trip should be well within his range. James Du Berlais - a Grade 3 handicap winner on his penultimate start - was too keen when a well-held third in this last year but fared better than Iroko, who was hampered and fell at the first. Both are capable of better and can get competitive.
Prediction : 1st Firefox 2nd James Du Berlais 3rd Iroko

FRESH KICKS had wind surgery ahead of his reappearance second at Kempton and then made all for a first win over hurdles in a maiden at Plumpton. That was an impressive display from the Nicky Henderson-trained five-year-old, who could again be too hot to handle with another step forward over this longer distance. The hat-trick seeking Buzz Iceclear and the unexposed Havefunontherun are others on an upward trajectory, while Mount Gay Run should also be suited by stepping back up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Fresh Kicks 2nd Buzz Iceclear 3rd Havefunontherun

BAD has shown a liking for this venue in the past and following a respectable fifth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham, the six-year-old has a good chance of making the most of a drop in class back here. The returning Matterhorn should be capable making an impact off just 4lb higher than for his Uttoxeter success when last seen. Rare Edition and The Famous Five are interesting alternatives to consider.
Prediction : 1st Bad 2nd Matterhorn 3rd Rare Edition

Crambo bids to win this for the third time in succession having had Beauport back in third last year. Well beaten in last season's renewal, Strong Leader finished a close second to IMPOSE TOI in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month. The latter will need to improve further to confirm superiority on less favourable terms, but that is a distinct possibility and Nicky Henderson's charge looks worth sticking with. A high-class novice hurdler last term, Honesty Policy faces a tough test on his reappearance, although he's still preferred to Potters Charm and Jet Blue.
Prediction : 1st Impose Toi 2nd Strong Leader 3rd Crambo

Victtorino has won the last two renewals and cannot be ruled out off his current mark. Blow Your Wad will be sharper for last month's third in a competitive handicap here behind Henry's Friend and may well turn the tables, but it's the latter's stablemate PIC ROC who makes most appeal. Left at the start in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, Ben Pauling's charge found plenty in the closing stages to finish fifth and is worthy of another chance. Deep Cave remains unexposed over fences and is one more to consider.
Prediction : 1st Pic Roc 2nd Blow Your Wad 3rd Victtorino

The highly progressive ALEXEI bids to defy a 13lb hike. A C&D winner before landing the Greatwood at Cheltenham in fine style, another bold bid is anticipated from Joe Tizzard's five-year-old. At the other end of the weights, Mondo Man could prove better than his opening mark with last month's comeback run at Lingfield under his belt, while Live Conti is another making his handicap debut having finished second in the Grade 1 Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in April. Wilful is preferred to last year's winner Fiercely Proud of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Alexei 2nd Mondo Man 3rd Live Conti