Today's Horse Racing Tips: A Magical day ahead at Ascot

There are six bets for today’s superb racing at Ascot, which features four Group 1 contests.

Ascot Tips

13:55 – 6f Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1)

The ultra-consistent mare ONE MASTER (2 point win bet at 6/1) comes here in fine form following a third Group 1 success in the Prix de la Foret two weeks ago. The key to this six-year-old is testing ground and she is sure to be strong at the finish over this shorter trip. A winner at Ascot earlier in her career, she has also been placed twice at the track including a second in this race last year. The shortlist is completed by Dream Of Dreams and Oxted, both of whom were Group 1 winners when last seen.

14:30 – 1m4f Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1)

FRANKLY DARLING (1 point win bet at 18/1) appears to have been completely overlooked in the market following her disappointing effort at York last time out. Having won a Newcastle maiden in fine style back in June, she was then an impressive winner over this course and distance at Royal Ascot (Ribblesdale Stakes). That performance saw her go off as short as 7/4 for the Oaks but she could only finish third behind the outstanding filly Love. Her win here in June came with some ease underfoot and her debut came on heavy ground, so there is no reason why she can’t produce a career best effort under these conditions. This will be just her sixth career start and Robert Havlin knows her well.  The biggest danger is Dame Malliot under Hollie Doyle.

15:40 – 1m2f Qipco Champion Stakes (Group 1)

This is a very strong renewal of the Champion Stakes but last year’s winner MAGICAL (NAP – 2 point win bet at 13/8) is the one to beat. This superstar mare is a seven-time Group 1 winner and was as good as ever when comfortably beating Ghaiyyath at Leopardstown last month. There are no obvious negatives, and I am really looking forward to seeing her run and confirm her superiority. Lord North and Addeybb can chase the selection home.

16:15 – 1m Balmoral Handicap (Class 2)

The progressive Kingman colt TEMPUS (1 point win bet at 8/1) was sent off as favourite for the Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket last month but could only finish sixth of the 27 runners. Prior to that, he had won both starts this season and can return to the winners’ enclosure today ahead of a possible step up into pattern company next year. Ground conditions should be ideal, and he is proven over this course and distance.

I also fancy two outsiders at big prices. The oldest horse in the race - GREENSIDE (0.5 point win bet at 40/1) comes here in good form having won at Haydock in July before being placed over a mile at York next time out. He found the drop back to six furlongs too sharp at York last time but finished a respectable sixth of the 21 runners. Conditions should be ideal for Henry Candy’s runner and the excellent apprentice Marco Ghiani takes the ride again.

My final selection is HORTZADAR (0.5 point win bet at 40/1), who has won two of his last three starts. He is another that should relish today’s conditions and looks to have a good draw in stall 11. The race could be set up nicely for this hold up performer, and Jamie Spencer is booked for the first time.