Royal Ascot tips: Who should I bet on in the 5.00pm at Ascot today?

THE Ascot Stakes looks a minefield but who will our top tipsters be backing?

With tips from our very own Templegate, Matt Chapman and the latest race trends, we’ve got the all-important views on each race right here.

Reuters

Who is running in the Ascot Stakes?

What are the top tips for the race?

Templegate – Batts Rock

BATTS ROCK was useful for Michael Bell and he won his first two Flat starts after moving to Gordon Elliott. It’s fair to say he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations over hurdles but, despite breaking his duck at Downpatrick last month, he doesn’t really look to be enjoying it.

This will be the first time he’s raced over this far and I’ve a feeling it will suit him. The booking of Frankie Dettori is hardly going to do him any harm, either.

Matt Chapman – Coeur De Lion

If stamina is your thing you will love the Ascot Stakes over nearly two and a half miles at 5.00pm. COEUR DE LION is not an easy horse to win on and is 2lb higher than when a staying on sixth in this event last term. However, his jockey now takes 5lb off, and he does stay strong and is in good form for Alan King. He’s got place claims at the very least against a load of jumps horses who might love going on the Flat or might not!

Wizard of Odds – Coeur De Lion

COEUR DE LION ran a belter to win a hot race at Chester last time and can go well in the Ascot Stakes.

He liked the give in the ground on the Roodee and got on well with today’s rider, who is value for his 5lb claim. He has no issues seeing out this distance and could be on the upgrade as a marathon runner.

Trends – Coeur De Lion

The trends leave a four-horse shortlist of Coeur De Lion, Kerosin and Mixboy.

They are not easy to split but COEUR DE LION was impressive when winning at Chester last time and is the right sort of price for an Ascot Stakes winner with the other pair a little long in the betting.