UK Horse Racing Tips: Royal Ascot

AIX LA CHAPELLE hit a bit of a flat spot over two furlongs out on debut at the Curragh but left a lasting impression thereafter, staying on really well to score over this trip. The manner of that performance marked him out as an ideal type for the Chesham and he's taken to have come on plenty for the run. Charlie Johnston launches a three-pronged assault and they're all of interest as Time For The Moon looked smart in winning at Musselburgh, Lingfield scorer Sword Salute boasts a similar profile and Pikachu finished second in what looked a decent novice stakes at Thirsk. Sea Venture went into plenty of notebooks when winning first time up at Haydock and also comes into calculations.
Prediction : 1st Aix La Chapelle 2nd Time For The Moon 3rd Sea Venture

Heyzoom won what looked a strong Newbury maiden and must be of interest going handicapping for the first time for an in-form stable. He's 3lb well-in and ought to go well but preference is for INTO THE LIGHT, who got within a short head of subsequent London Gold Cup winner Lost Boys when finishing a solid second at Sandown in April. Joulany finished half-a-length third to Maltese Cross at Newbury and that form looks really strong following the winner's second-placed effort in the Derby. Now gelded, Ralph Beckett's inmate is noted in a first-time tongue-tie, and his stable companion Tierra Del Toro comes into the reckoning too.
Prediction : 1st Into The Light 2nd Heyzoom 3rd Joulany

Things never went to plan for Gilded Prize in the Prix Saint-Alary and it wouldn't be a surprise if she bounced back to form here. Nevertheless, Colin Keane gets off her to ride Oaks runner-up LEGACY LINK and she looks the way to go assuming that effort just 13 days ago hasn't left a mark. John & Thady Gosden's filly travelled really well into contention at Epsom and just bumped into a really impressive Thundering On. The latter's trainer Joseph O'Brien should therefore know where he stands with Leopardstown maiden winner Johanna Walsh and it will be interesting if the money comes for her, while Earth Shot lost nothing in defeat in the Height Of Fashion at Goodwood and should also be taken seriously.
Prediction : 1st Legacy Link 2nd Gilded Prize 3rd Earth Shot

This race has been the subject of O'Brien/Gosden dominance for the last 10 years so it comes as no surprise that the market is headed by Scandinavia and TRAWLERMAN. The former hasn't looked back since finishing fifth to Carmers in the Queen's Vase 12 months ago and boasts iron-clad credentials, but Trawlerman can ensure this prize remains on home soil. Second to Kyprios in this two years ago before defeating stable companion Sweet William to go one better 12 months later, he can launch a successful defence of his crown, for all that he does arrive without a run behind him this term. Rahiebb was only beaten a neck by Scandinavia in the St Leger before returning with a commanding victory in the Yorkshire Cup. Caballo De Mar had Al Riffa just a neck back in third when landing the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier and they are just two others who help make this an intriguing renewal.
Prediction : 1st Trawlerman 2nd Scandinavia 3rd Rahiebb

Just about any of these could win a typically puzzling Britannia, but a chance is taken on ST ANTON. The Richard Hannon-trained Mehmas colt seems to only do enough, as evidenced by his recent Newmarket and Carlisle wins, so the handicapper hasn't been too harsh. This is sure to be strongly-run and if getting the breaks required in such a big field, he may well represent some value. Oisin Murphy has ridden two of the previous five winners of this contest and appears to have another big chance courtesy of runaway Newmarket scorer We're Goosers. Laureate Crown was able to power past Organise at Sandown, but the runner-up has been gelded since and now sports first-time cheekpieces. Outback Heat already has a C&D win on his CV and should not be overlooked in the capable hands of Kaiya Fraser and watch out for Exclusive Code, who won a warm Newbury maiden in April.
Prediction : 1st St Anton 2nd Were Goosers 3rd Organise

ENDORSEMENT was only narrowly denied by subsequent Derby winner Christmas Day on his seasonal return in the Ballysax at Leopardstown in April. He showed that was no fluke when third in the Derby Trial at the same venue the following month and then readily won a 1m4f Listed event at Leopardstown. With that in mind, the son of Wootton Bassett appears to be the safest pick in an open event. Oxagon has struggled at Group 1 level the last twice but he should not be discounted in this company, while Morshdi and Italy are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Endorsement 2nd Oxagon 3rd Morshdi

The unexposed RIVER KING had plenty in hand when winning over a mile at Newbury. This stiff 7f should not be a problem for Richard Hannon's four-year-old and he can defy an 8lb rise. The Wizard Of Eye is only 5lb higher than when lifting his second Victoria Cup over C&D and he has to be respected. Great Acclaim was second on that occasion and is another with strong claims. Apiarist may be able to reward each-way support, while similar comments apply to Dance In The Storm and Arctic Dawn.
Prediction : 1st River King 2nd The Wizard Of Eye 3rd Great Acclaim