UK Horse Racing Tips: Ascot

SO REGAL was only beaten by a length and a half when fifth in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown and that performance reads well now the daughter of Kingman drops in class. Her yard won this race 12 months ago and this low-mileage three-year-old appears well placed to follow up with Billy Loughnane taking over in the saddle. Midnight Tango has been highly tried and should also have an impact at this level, while Albaydaa and Dash Of Azure are notable alternatives based on peak form.
Prediction : 1st So Regal 2nd Midnight Tango 3rd Albaydaa

Tuco Salamanca had a bit in hand when he won the Shergar Cup Dash over C&D before he ran a blinder to grab second in the Ayr Gold Cup. The four-year-old deserves a crack at this level and another bold showing is likely. Shagraan is a regular in high-grade sprints, and impressive Ayr scorer Fluorescence merits close inspection too. However, a chance is taken on Portland winner AIR FORCE ONE, whose Doncaster triumph is a convincing piece of form and cutting back half a furlong shouldn't be an issue.
Prediction : 1st Air Force One 2nd Tuco Salamanca 3rd Shagraan

Al Aasy is a regular in this race and is very capable of going one better than when filling the runner-up berth in the 2024 renewal. However, he picks up a 5lb penalty for winning the Grand Prix de Deauville last time out and slender preference is for his stablemate and last year's second TENABILITY. After giving weight and a beating to the rest in the August Stakes at Windsor, the William Haggas-trained four-year-old looks primed to add to his portfolio. The hat-trick seeking Plage De Havre and Godolphin pair Royal Playwright and By The Book are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Tenability 2nd Al Aasy 3rd Plage De Havre

Although he arrives here as one of the lowest-rated in the line-up, Hidden Force is open to improvement on just his fourth outing and looks to possess enough speed to cope with a drop in distance. Charlie Appleby's colt isn't taken lightly, but DIVISION has posted some cracking efforts in defeat in Group 1 company and is difficult to get away from. The selection's stablemate Elmonjed didn't appear to enjoy underfoot conditions at Deauville and merits respect on the back of a 91-day break.
Prediction : 1st Division 2nd Hidden Force 3rd Elmonjed

Having relished a return to 7f when scoring over C&D, there is every chance that THUNDER CALL can strike again. The three-year-old competes off 9lb higher, but had enough in hand to suggest that it won't halt his progress and he gets the vote over York winner Machadadorp. Andrew Balding's filly enjoyed some cut in the ground on that occasion, but she might not prove quite as effective reverting to quicker conditions. Buckingham Palace victor Mezcala and Ayr Gold Cup hero Pellitory add further spice to the mix.
Prediction : 1st Thunder Call 2nd Machadadorp 3rd Mezcala

Although he could only muster a fourth-placed effort at Haydock last week, ANCIENT STATE appeared to get bogged down by the testing conditions. Adam Kirby's charge was previously on an upward trajectory and reverting to faster ground should see him in a much better light. Adrestia finished second to the selection at Doncaster 20 days ago and she's feared most, ahead of Gold Star Hero, who arrives on the back of a close-up third over C&D.
Prediction : 1st Ancient State 2nd Adrestia 3rd Gold Star Hero