UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

Down To Business raced keenly when making the frame on his jumping bow at Newbury and if settling better in a first-time tongue-tie, he ought to go close. However, WINSTON JUNIOR finished just over three lengths clear of a previous Grade 2 winner when second at Cheltenham and sets the standard with an official rating of 124. Novelista was a fair performer on the Flat and warrants a market check.
Prediction : 1st Winston Junior 2nd Down To Business 3rd Novelista

A lot more was expected of Montregard when he was pulled up at Kempton, but that effort was too bad to be true and he may be better judged on his victory over C&D prior. Welcom To Cartries is seemingly Harry Cobden's pick of the Paul Nicholls pair and it's easy to see why after his Sandown triumph. THE JUKEBOX KID failed to justify favouritism when fourth at Cheltenham, but this is just his third chase start and he could take a step forward to score.
Prediction : 1st The Jukebox Kid 2nd Montregard 3rd Welcom To Cartries

Nurse Susan produced a career-best effort to score in Listed company at Sandown earlier in the month and is bound to attract plenty of support. However, this drop in trip might work against her and that could leave the door open for LA CONQUIERE. Jamie Snowden's novice is unbeaten in two outings over timber, most recently in Listed class at Newbury, and she is likely to have more in the locker. Sunset Marquesa appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st La Conquiere 2nd Nurse Susan 3rd Sunset Marquesa

The admirably consistent VINCENZO appeals after his second in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham and had the measure of Bad (fifth) when he filled the same position there in the Paddy Power on his penultimate start. The Sam Thomas-trained gelding can uphold the form, despite Bad challenging on more favourable terms. Etalon had Scarface (second) and Bad (fourth) behind when successful here last month, although this longer trip could be an issue.
Prediction : 1st Vincenzo 2nd Bad 3rd Etalon

Having had the measure of the in-form Surrey Lord and Moveit Like Minnie in separate recent encounters, there is plenty to like about the way CAME FROM NOWHERE is developing. He looked ahead of his mark with a cosy win at Hereford just before Christmas and a 7lb rise could underestimate him. Faivoir, who is a previous course winner over fences and rated much higher in that sphere, is potentially a big danger on these terms. Marche D'aligre is another with each-way prospects.
Prediction : 1st Came From Nowhere 2nd Faivoir 3rd Surrey Lord

It will be interesting to see how Jonbon fares with Harry Cobden in the saddle for the first time as he bids to follow up last year's success. That said, the task at hand is a lot tougher with his Tingle Creek conqueror IL ETAIT TEMPS making the trip over from Ireland. Willie Mullins bids for a fourth win in the contest after saddling Un De Sceaux to three consecutive victories and it is difficult to see Jonbon finding nine lengths and more to reverse the form. Gidleigh Park is interesting dropping back in trip but has plenty to find on figures, while the much-improved Thistle Ask will ensure there are no hiding places on the front end.
Prediction : 1st Il Etait Temps 2nd Jonbon 3rd Gidleigh Park

Kasino Des Mottes struck at Kempton before not being beaten far in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham's December meeting. The drop in trip is unlikely to hamper him, but LAGUNA BEACH is preferred. The form of his Hereford victory received a boost earlier in the week when the third came out and won at the same venue. The five-year-old has progressed with each run to date and shapes as though he has further progression to come. The Burren Man, Tobyshill and Uptown Dandy add further spice to what could be an informative contest.
Prediction : 1st Laguna Beach 2nd Kasino Des Mottes 3rd The Burren Man