Ascot Racing Tips

Mark Johnston’s runner sweated up badly before his last run at York but if you can forgive that would have a great chance here. He won his previous start over this course and distance, scooting clear of his rivals by three lengths and showed a nice turn of foot a furlong out. He’s up to a career-high mark of 92 for this contest but we think there could be more to come. His neck second to Wink Of An Eye could turn out to be useful form.

Top Secret could be the play here in this competitive handicap. He scored over track and trip back in July, reeling in Spanish Star late on who has since won off 3lb higher. Just denied last time at Newbury, he bumped into one who is probably a fair bit ahead of the handicapper. He travels really well, so will be just as effective back at 7f and probably has a bit of scope off his current mark of 82. Cliffs Of Capri, who continues to come down the handicap, can’t be far away from a winning mark now and is the Exacta play.

We’re going to give Passionova another chance here. Tried at Listed level on ground she wouldn’t have enjoyed last time, she ran a good race to finish second and has to have a big chance here back in handicap company. Her previous win at Newmarket rates really strong where she gave 7lb and a beating to the Gosdens’ Sweet Enough. That one has since reeled off a hat-trick and is now rated 93, so George Baker’s charge looks well treated off 92 here on that formline. She rates as the one to beat.

It’s difficult to make a case that Popmaster is particularly well-handicapped these days, but he’s been brilliantly consistent and will certainly give backers a run for their money. Ed Walker’s charge had his turn of foot blunted by softish ground here last time and will be seen in a much better light on a faster surface. His third in a big handicap at Newmarket rates highly and a repeat of that performance should see him go close.