1.20pm Ascot Tips & Betting Preview 16/12/2016

7 novice hurdlers go to post for the 2nd race on Ascot’s Friday card, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: A tricky handicap can go the way of BACK BY MIDNIGHT who impressed with an all the way bold jumping display at Sandown on only his second hurdles start and should have more to give for the in form Emma Baker team. The main danger could well be Imperial Presence who should improve for his handicap debut.

1 DUBAWI ISLAND – Goes well fresh and was a decent enough hurdler, but isn’t bred to be a chaser and isn’t the most consistent of horses to begin with. Has to be noted but has risks attached.

2 CHAMPAGNE AT TARA – Decent hurdler last year and may well have needed his return when 7th on chase debut at Uttoxeter last month. Still remains with lots of potential over these obstacles and should have come on leaps and bounds from that reappearance so has to be greatly respected.

3 IMPERIAL PRESENCE – Finished 5th on handicap debut over fences at Newbury last month making mistakes early on that didn’t help his cause (2m, Good to Soft). Only a 5 year old so still has time on his side and should improve for that run so has to be greatly respected and should run well.

4 I’DLIKETHEOPTION – Has been running respectably over fences in his 4 attempts, including one win at Ludlow back in October (2m, Good to FIrm). Softer ground is a bit of a concern today and will need to show more against some less exposed types, but has definite place claims.

5 MISTER SPINGSPRONG – Stable debut for Brian Ellison today and last seen when pulling up at Market Rasen back in June (2m5f, Good). Had shown promise previously and drops back in trip today which may well help, so has to be considered, probably vulnerable for win purposes.

6 RED DEVIL STAR – Has 14 lengths to find with Back By Midnight but didn’t particularly jump well and meets that rival on better terms today. Has each way claims if improving his jumping but does meet less exposed rivals.

7 BACK BY MIDNIGHT – Raised 8lb for an impressive winner at Sandown latest (1m7f, Good) making all in a brilliant, bold jumping fashion and even that weight rise may not stop him from following up off a basement weight today. Only twice raced over fences so still has room for improvement so has to be respected.

myracing Forecast Prices: 2/1 Back By Midnight, 3/1 I’dliketheoption, 5/1 Imeprial Presence, 6/1 Red Devil Star, 13/2 Mister Spinsprong, 8/1 Dubawi Island, 12/1 Champagne At Tara