1.15pm Ascot Tips & Betting Preview 23/12/2017

IN SUMMARY: The sky could be the limit this season for Edward Harty’s Grade 1 winner CONEY ISLAND and he can begin his climb to the top here. He has the potential to be a serious player in the staying chase division this season and could put these to the sword if fully wound up, Adrien Du Pont can follow him home getting weight.

1 CONEY ISLAND – A seriously talented novice chaser last season who won the Drinmore last December before going down by just half a length to Our Duke at Leopardstown when last season. He has been off the track for a while but all the vibes have been positive and he could be far too good for these if fit.

2 ADRIEN DU PONT – Paul Nicholls’ charge is a five year old so receives weight from both his rivals here and he looks a serious contender. He was beaten six and a half lengths behind Yanworth and Willoughby Court last time but can probably do better and is interesting.

3 MORE OF THAT – The 2014 World Hurdle winner who has been largely disappointing for the last few seasons. He is clearly extremely talented but has had his problems and although was sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup he’ll need to be right back to his best to win this.