Our tipping ace Steve Jones turns his focus on the Flat racing at Ascot, where the Victoria Cup is the feature, and at Haydock where the Swinton Hurdle is the highlight.
Ascot Tips
Everything looks ship-shape for BOATSWAIN (2.50). He has his first start of the year in what looks a competitive Ascot handicap but he has a decent record when returning from a break.
His only victory came on his debut early last year when successful on Lingfield's all-weather track and he couldn't have gone much closer to winning when beaten a short head on his second start off the back of four months off the track.
He didn't quite kick on as anticipated but he was involved in some deep races and he is the type to do even better this year. Simon and Ed Crisford have their team in good form and he does look overpriced. Have 1pt each-way at 18-1. Sky Bet is paying out on five places.
YORKSHIRE (2.20) is another horse who seems at his best when fresh. He lines up in the Carey Group Victoria Cup having not been seen on a racecourse since finishing in midfield in the International Handicap over today's course and distance last July.
His previous effort in the Buckingham Palace Stakes – also over this track and trip – was much more promising. He was a little unlucky not to finish closer than sixth behind subsequent Group 1 winner Never So Brave in a strong edition of that Royal Ascot handicap.
His record when returning from a break of five months or more is two wins from three and all his victories have come with more than a month between races. A stands' side draw in stall 28 is often a positive on Ascot's straight course and the fast ground isn't an issue.
He looks Ed Bethell's second string behind Khafiz judged on jockey bookings but it could well play out differently on the track. Have 1pt each-way at 18-1. Sky Bet is offering seven places.
Haydock Tip
The Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle on Haydock's mixed card is the first big race of the new jumps season.
HAMLET'S NIGHT (1.15) took well to hurdles in the autumn with novice wins at Stratford and Warwick. He went on to run smart performers Rabaud and Give It To Me Oj close. His form on the Flat has also been good. Have 1pt each-way at 18-1. Plenty of firms go five places.
