Racing analyst Templegate provides his expert selections and top bets across the weekend fixtures.
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JET TO VEGAS (1.25 Ascot, nap)
Prepared for action. The seven-year-old competitor returned to winning ways with a strong performance at Market Rasen on his previous start. That marked his initial appearance in five months, and the handicapper adjusted his mark upward by just 4lb. He brings course experience to Ascot, having placed second over fences at the venue last November, and possesses the capability to manage this compact lineup. Lucas Murphy claims 7lb to boost his prospects.
PIC D'ORHY (2.55 Wetherby, nb)
He stands out as the premier talent in the race and a leading contender during his debut for Dan Skelton following a transfer from Paul Nicholls. The 11-year-old secured a narrow runner-up finish in this exact contest 12 months ago, losing by only a length. Subsequently, he managed a close second in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase before ending up a distant third at Aintree, where a major jumping error dashed his prospects. Officially assessed at a mark of 162, he maintains a 9lb advantage over his closest competitor while receiving weight allowances from select rivals. He holds winning credentials on good ground surfaces and aims to improve upon last year's result.
QUEENSBURY BOY (2.33 Ascot, treble)
Aims to secure another major victory for trainer Mickey Bowen after delivering a powerful late charge to claim a competitive Market Rasen handicap in July. The seven-year-old appeared beaten near the final fence but uncovered a strong finishing burst to prevail in the final moments of the Summer Plate. The introduction of cheekpieces appeared to make an impact on that occasion. He comes back following a 105-day absence off a mark merely 4lb higher, and the extension in distance to three miles should prove suitable, having previously demonstrated substantial stamina reserves.
Templegate's TV verdicts (1.00pm - 4.00pm, ITV4)
ASCOT
1.25
JET TO VEGAS prepares for competition. The seven-year-old returned to form with a solid victory at Market Rasen recently.
That appearance was his first in five months, and the official handicapper raised his rating by only 4lb. He holds prior Ascot experience, having secured second place over fences at the track last November, and can control this limited group.
Lucas Murphy claiming 7lb aids his chances.
Glynn Brae appears dangerous on his chasing bow after capturing a handicap hurdle here by 9l in March. The Twiston-Davies contender ought to benefit from his Chepstow seasonal reappearance.
Dance And Glance represents another intriguing newcomer to chasing. Anthony Honeyball's six-year-old claimed a valuable Haydock handicap hurdle in April prior to taking a close third place against tougher opposition.
The Gray Ghost performed creditably when runner-up on his chasing debut at Uttoxeter and should welcome this extended trip.
Merely A Detail has already recorded two victories over fences during the summer months, though this test is considerably stiffer.
2.00
MARTATOR aims for a successful comeback at his preferred venue following a triumph at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Venetia Williams' nine-year-old overcame odds of 66-1 to capture the Grand Annual, producing a strong late drive to secure victory within a 20-runner field.
He has triumphed three times at Ascot and secured a close second-place finish at the course last November, meaning the track holds no concerns. A 5lb weight increase looks manageable, and demonstrated ability on good ground enhances his claims, having won this exact race two years prior.
Vanderpoel emerges as a significant threat after scoring over course and distance in December before backing it up at Sandown. Seventh behind Martator at Cheltenham, he should find this less demanding task suitable.
Teddy Blue took this prize last year, though his peak career rating requires further improvement.
Gore Point has collected three victories from his past four outings and enters this test seeking another win following a comfortable score at Newton Abbot.
2.33
QUEENSBURY BOY seeks another significant prize for Mickey Bowen following a vigorous finish to secure a competitive Market Rasen handicap in July.
The seven-year-old looked beaten approaching the final obstacle but produced a decisive late acceleration to prevail in the closing stages of the Summer Plate.
The addition of cheekpieces appeared to create a notable difference that day. He returns from a 105-day absence rated just 4lb higher, and the step up to three miles should prove beneficial, having previously displayed extensive stamina.
He possesses winning form on fair ground surfaces, setting up ideal conditions for another strong bid.
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Viroflay is expected to mount another strong challenge after securing two wins from his last four runs, which includes a 43-length victory at Newton Abbot in May. Paul Nicholls' nine-year-old enjoys setting the tempo and could prove challenging to catch if permitted an uncontested lead.
Califet En Vol demands attention too. Nicky Henderson's seven-year-old triumphed at Kempton in February and should welcome the return to better ground conditions after finding soft turf at Ayr difficult.
Tapley enters the race seeking a hat-trick following successes at Fontwell and Plumpton, although this represents a substantial step up in class and distance.
Your Darling has previously won at Ascot and scored impressively at Ludlow in March, whilst Henry's Friend captured this contest 12 months ago and sits merely 1lb lower despite a decline in form later in the campaign.
Imperial Alex brings further claims after scoring at Stratford and Uttoxeter during the summer, with a first-time visor fitted for this assignment. He requires improvement but could feature.
3.43
TRUSTINTIMES aims to maintain an unbeaten record at Ascot. Harry Fry's progressive five-year-old won over course and distance last November, producing a strong late charge to score by a length prior to taking a respectable second position at Kempton on Boxing Day. He failed to stay the 2m4f trip at Aintree in April, though a Flat outing at Nottingham 17 days ago should have prepared him well. He comes back to hurdles racing off an unchanged handicap mark of 127.
Williethebuilder emerges as a threat after drawing clear at Sedgefield on his seasonal reappearance. A 6lb penalty calls for more, but his previous effort was striking.
Morning Mayhem has been close to success, finishing runner-up at Rasen and Chepstow prior to a solid performance at Cheltenham last week.
Messerschmitt is an interesting contender on his initial start for Ben Pauling following a third-place finish in a competitive 21-runner handicap at Punchestown for trainer Noel Meade.
Nap Hand arrives seeking another triumph following his Plumpton success, though he hung markedly left during that event, which is far from ideal for this venue.
WETHERBY
1.10
PALAMON can make amends for an unfortunate Plumpton defeat and capture this competitive handicap for trainer Dan Skelton. The six-year-old was nearly forced off the track before running on strongly. That performance followed a 32-length victory at Southwell merely six days prior, indicating he has returned to peak form. A 2lb weight rise appears manageable, and jockey Harry Skelton can secure another success.
Tanking Along can go close after securing a double with an authoritative front-running victory at Perth. Patrick Neville's seven-year-old has gone up 8lb in the weights but travels in excellent condition.
Kahavari is another notable contender after shedding his maiden status over fences at Sandown in April. Harry Cobden takes the ride, and the switch back to good ground should be advantageous.
Marty McFly rattled off four consecutive chase victories in the previous season, concluding with a Class 2 win at Carlisle, and should strip sharper following a recent hurdles prep.
1.45
KATEIRA aims to return to winning ways by duplicating her success in this race from last year. Dan Skelton's nine-year-old reappears officially rated 8lb superior to her closest competitor. She was beaten on her seasonal return at Chepstow earlier this month, but that run should have cleared away any rustiness. Harry Skelton resumes riding duties.
Ooh Betty presents a major danger after securing a Grade 2 contest at Ascot in January before taking a respectable ninth position in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. She subsequently finished third at Ayr and drops back to Listed company, although drying turf conditions may not suit ideally.
La Conquiere also holds strong claims following a victory in a Listed novice hurdle at Newbury last November and a close runner-up effort at Ascot in January. Her Grade 1 defeat at Aintree can be overlooked within this less demanding field.
Watamu enters in superb form after a striking Stratford victory and has won three of her last four completed starts over hurdles. She should perform well.
2.18
STRONG LEADER can make a winning comeback by defending his West Yorkshire Hurdle title. Olly Murphy's nine-year-old delivered a powerful late surge to win on good ground 12 months ago. He followed that effort with commendable second-place finishes in Grade 2 company at Newbury and an Ascot Grade 1 before disappointing at Cheltenham and Aintree. He performs well when fresh. Sean Bowen takes the mount, and his affinity for the course is well known.
Take No Chances looks a serious danger after claiming second place in this race last year prior to delivering an exceptional runner-up performance in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. Dan Skelton's mare needed her Chepstow reappearance and ought to be much fitter.
Lavida Adiva commands respect based on her encouraging second place in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham.
Paggane requires improvement upon returning to hurdles.
2.55
PIC D'ORHY has made a notable switch from Paul Nicholls following a winless previous campaign. His finest effort came when runner-up in this race 12 months ago, and he would concede substantial weight if this contest were a handicap. The relatively fast ground will assist his stamina, and he can overcome Handstands, who has a tendency to commit a jumping error.
The Real Whacker captured this race in 2024 and rebounded with an assertive front-running victory at Perth in September. The former Brown Advisory winner stays the three-mile distance and could prove dangerous if jockey Brian Hughes dictates the pace.
Twinjets is a bold front-runner who concluded last season with a determined success at Ayr following a narrow second at Newbury. He also scored impressively by 10 lengths at Newbury last November. He handles good ground, but stepping back up to 3m in stronger company demands more.
3.30
FILIBUSTERING can bounce back after finding a competitive Chepstow event too difficult. Harry Derham's five-year-old won impressively at Hexham in May prior to completing a double with an eight-and-a-half-length victory at Cartmel. He carries a 6lb higher mark but should appreciate this easier task and the return to good ground conditions.
Race To Base performed creditably when runner-up in a competitive Sandown handicap in April. He returns from a six-month absence with conditions in his favour.
Klitschko returned to form when finishing second at Sedgefield earlier this month and has recorded two hurdle victories at the venue.
Banderas won at Hexham in May but has experienced difficulties since.
DOWN ROYAL
3.15
BANBRIDGE can achieve a winning return over fences following a sharp Flat victory at Gowran last month. Joseph O'Brien's classy 10-year-old should be prepared for this Grade 1 test, and conditions appear suitable for a contender preferring fair ground.
The former King George winner was beaten by a narrow margin when attempting to defend his Kempton title last Boxing Day prior to taking third place in the Ryanair at Cheltenham.
Heart Wood presents a substantial threat after storming to a 10-length Ryanair victory in March, though his subsequent effort at Aintree fell below that standard.
Fleur In The Park enters in excellent condition following an impressive Grade 2 success at Gowran and has already demonstrated top-level capability over fences.
Affordale Fury secured the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown last Christmas, and his subsequent poor run is excusable after he was found to be lame.
Haiti Couleurs displays strong staying credentials following victories in the Welsh Grand National and Denman Chase, whilst Romeo Coolio captured three Grade 1 novice chases last term before jumping errors intervened at Cheltenham.
Templegate's tips
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