2.15pm Ascot Tips & Betting Preview 13/05/2017

Another lightly raced sort, BATTS ROCK hasn’t been seen for 364 days – which is of concern – but he has to be considered a big danger thanks to his progressive profile. Debuting at Nottingham back in November 2015, he was well beaten in the mile maiden. He did, however, show some promise when running on late in the day and displayed good improvement to win at Wolverhampton on his second start upped to the 1m 2f trip. He was given a mark of 85 on handicap debut at Newmarket in May 2016, finishing third and not beaten far in the very tactical race which perhaps didn’t suit him. His long absence will be difficult to overcome, but he remains unexposed at this trip. Michael Bell’s string are also running well at present, with five winners from his last 18 runners equating to a 28% strike rate.

Clearly benefiting from the step up in trip to the middle distances, Mornington has won his last two races for Marcus Tregoning and another big run is on the cards. He made his handicap debut at Brighton in April when returning from a short absence, only needing to be pushed out under hands and heels to win readily, and an 8lb rise wasn’t enough to stop him from following up again. He once again travelled sweetly throughout before his rider pushed the button two furlongs from home, scorching clear to win by three lengths, though it could have been much further had he come out of second gear. Another penalty seems unlikely to stop this progressive four-year-old from taking another step forward and he looks a big danger for a yard who are firing in the winners at present.

Another lightly raced sort, Batts Rock hasn’t been seen for 364 days – which is of concern – but he has to be considered a big danger thanks to his progressive profile. Debuting at Nottingham back in November 2015, he was well beaten in the mile maiden. He did, however, show some promise when running on late in the day and displayed good improvement to win at Wolverhampton on his second start upped to the 1m 2f trip. He was given a mark of 85 on handicap debut at Newmarket in May 2016, finishing third and not beaten far in the very tactical race which perhaps didn’t suit him. His long absence will be difficult to overcome, but he remains unexposed at this trip. Michael Bell’s string are also running well at present, with five winners from his last 18 runners equating to a 28% strike rate. The market is the best guide as to his fitness after such a long lay off.

Although perhaps lacking the potential of the two aforementioned rivals, Eve Johnson Houghton’s Fleeting Visit is likely better than his current mark and isn’t one to underestimate. Putting in plenty of placed efforts of comparable marks last season, his best was his third at Sandown in September when wide throughout off a pound higher mark. He returned this season when finishing a respectable fifth at Newbury last month, trying to make all and perhaps suggesting that he needed the run when having no extra in the final furlong. If showing the benefit from the run, a mark of 83 shouldn’t be beyond him and it would be no surprise to see him making a better four-year-old, so he does need to be considered in this.

William Knight’s Jacob Cats has returned with a bang this season on the All Weather and he could have even more to give now switched back to turf where he is more experienced. He made his seasonal debut at Kempton in April when winning comfortably and, off a six pound higher mark a few days later, he came home with a rattle to win over today’s trip. As a result, he’s been raised another 2lb, but he has done most of his winning on the turf. Although this is a career high mark, he may well find further improvement now switched onto his favoured surface. He has sound each way claims for a yard in brilliant form.

Lightly raced and progressive for James Fanshawe, Lord George has won three of his eight starts and started off this season on a positive note. He returned at Newcastle in April when he finished third, doing his best work late on to snatch that position near the line and he has consequently only been raised 3lb. He should have come on for the run and conditions are to suit, with stall four a good draw for the four-year-old. He is a likely contender back down in class and he has to be respected in his bid to take his second turf victory.