1.20pm Ascot Tips & Betting Preview 22/12/2017

Tip: DIVINE SPEAR at 6/5

IN SUMMARY: DIVINE SPEAR (6/5) will take plenty of beating here. Nicky Henderson’s charge made an almost flawless chase debut and looks leniently treated based off his hurdles exploits. Exitas can be forgiven his last run and is considered.

1 EXITAS – Has been in fine form over fences this season and notched up a hat-trick over fences before a good third in a decent event at Cheltenham. He disappointed when sent back over fences last time but that can be forgiven, respected now back chasing.

2 DIVINE SPEAR – A very useful handicapper over hurdles who won two of his starts in that sphere and was placed in a further five of those attempts. He started out his career over fences with a comfortable success by just under four lengths last time, strong claims here.

3 DAREBIN – Has made four starts over fences to date and won at the second attempt, he is consistent and has yet to be out of the frame. The handicapper has left him alone after a decent effort last time and he has a fair chance of going close in a trappy race.

4 PRAIRIE TOWN – Made twenty starts over hurdles and won two of those but is unexposed with just two chase starts under his belt so far. He has been second in both of those attempts and jumps well so there is likely further improvement to come, not out of it.

5 I SEE YOU WELL – Raced just the six times over hurdles and was successful twice as well as recording two seconds. He has steadily progressed over fences so far and has been in some hot looking races so his handicap mark is probably fair and he has a chance.