Today's Horse Racing Tips: Follow this quintet at Ascot and Haydock

There are five bets for today’s racing at Ascot and Haydock.

Ascot Tips

13:50 – 2m3½f Matchbook Better Way To Bet Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

CRAIGNEICHE (0.5 point win bet at 11/1) is clearly held in high regard by Nicky Henderson and connections given that this step into Grade 3 company comes on just his third start over hurdles. Having won a Market Rasen bumper in commanding style first time out, he then finished third behind The Big Breakaway before winning a maiden hurdle at Doncaster by a comfortable 3.25-lengths. The Big Breakaway went on to frank the form by finishing fourth at the Cheltenham Festival, and he was recently placed in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.  

This son of Flemensfirth possesses plenty of stamina and won on soft ground at Doncaster, so today’s conditions should suit. He will receive weight from all of today’s rivals and although this will be his first start for 375 days, he looks a fascinating contender.

At a bigger price, BOTOX HAS (0.5 point win bet at 20/1) has also caught my eye and he should relish the step up in trip. After winning by 18-lengths at Fontwell, his other two wins have come over 2m1f and 2m½f at Cheltenham. He stayed on well up the hill on both occasions but has found the minimum trip too sharp on his last two starts (Listed and Grade 3). I am expecting Gary Moore’s representative to outrun his odds with conditions to suit.

15:00 – 2m5f bet365 Handicap Chase (Class 2)

DASHEL DRASHER (NAP – 1 point win bet at 7/1) took his record to 2-2 at Ascot when winning over this course and distance last time out. Having set a good pace on heavy ground, it was no surprise to see him tire late on, especially as it was just his second run back after wind surgery and a 353-day break.  

He clearly possesses plenty of ability given that he won four consecutive races over hurdles before finishing second to Champ on his chasing debut. He went on to win a novice chase by seven-lengths at Haydock, where he once again showed a liking for soft ground. Whilst it looks extremely ambitious, it is interesting that he holds an entry for the Ryanair Chase.

Despite the presence of my NAP in this race, I am also having a cover bet on the lightly-raced ten-year-old COLORADO DOC (0.5 point win bet at 25/1). A prolific Point To Point winner, he recorded form figures of 2221P on his first five starts under rules. He was pulled up on his seasonal reappearance at Newbury last month but should be much sharper for that run. The drop back in trip on testing ground should suit and he will race off just 10-3 when taking into account the jockey’s claim.

The shortlist is completed by Good Boy Bobby and Espoir De Guye, both of whom I tipped up for their last races.

Haydock Tip

14:40 – 3m1½f Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (Grade 2)

With the absence of Sam Brown, the hat-trick seeking Royale Pagaille has obvious claims, but he will have to defy top-weight. Preference is for ACEY MILAN (1 point win bet at 7/1), who looks to have plenty in his favour. Having made a very pleasing chase debut over 3m1f at Aintree, he was pitched straight into Grade 2 company for his next start. Faster ground conditions meant that he wasn’t at his best that day and although he was beaten at odds on last time out, there is every chance that he can bounce back today. He stays well, will encounter his optimum underfoot conditions and receives weight from his key rivals.