UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

CLOUDS HILL has found life tough in competitive handicaps of late, but may well bounce back in this lower grade. The son of Cracksman made all over 1m2f at Yarmouth back in April and could prove hard to catch over this shorter trip if allowed his own way in front. Best Rate has been in the mix over 7f and looks worthy of another try over this additional furlong, while Helm Rock is preferred to Chalk Mountain of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Clouds Hill 2nd Best Rate 3rd Helm Rock

MYSTERIOUS TIMES was beaten only a head when third at Newmarket last month, despite having to wait for a clear run. Charlie Appleby's grey colt looks a winner in waiting on that evidence and is receiving from weight from the penalised recent winners. Of those, Flann Sunna beat a subsequent winner when successful at Windsor on debut and could prove the main danger, ahead of Peaceful Warrior and Persazz.
Prediction : 1st Mysterious Times 2nd Flann Sunna 3rd Peaceful Warrior

Goodwood maiden winner CIARRAI ABU made a highly encouraging handicap debut at the same track. Harry Eustace's charge finished with a wet sail when beaten less than a length in fourth and is taken to reverse running with Abundant (third). The latter could be on the premises once again, while Crown Office may improve for this extra yardage and also get involved. Top-weight Crest of Fire is another with a shout in a competitive affair.
Prediction : 1st Ciarrai Abu 2nd Abundant 3rd Crown Office

MORBEH has gone from strength to strength since going handicapping this year, winning three of his five appearances, and a hefty 9lb rise for the latest of those might not stop him from scoring again. Gatehouse went agonisingly close on his most recent start at Nottingham and may give the selection most to think about, ahead of the lightly-raced Golden Knight, who should appreciate this drop in class.
Prediction : 1st Morbeh 2nd Gatehouse 3rd Golden Knight

An open contest in which the progressive William Haggas-trained Hoseki is likely to prove popular and class-droppers Little Dorrit, Brielle and Incensed could also have say, but the vote goes to NOCHEBUENA. The Study Of Man filly showed a determined attitude to get her head in front at Doncaster and gets in here off a handy racing weight, even before accounting for Harry Vigors' 5lb claim. Ralph Beckett has his string in excellent form and it would come as no surprise were she to take another step forward.
Prediction : 1st Nochebuena 2nd Hoseki 3rd Little Dorrit

AMAZING JOURNEY has resumed his progress after being gelded and dropped to 6f. Jamie Osborne's three-year-old doesn't have many miles on the clock and still looks well handicapped having been beaten a head into second at Epsom. He can gain compensation this time given that he's 2lb well-in. Fast Track Harry didn't run too badly in the Wokingham and is interesting dropped in class with cheekpieces applied. Others to note include Ray Mon Dough, Coul Angel and Diligently.
Prediction : 1st Amazing Journey 2nd Fast Track Harry 3rd Ray Mon Dough