Alan Thomson's Tips: Raising the Bar at Ascot

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BARSANTI (2.50) won four times in 2016 and although drawing a blank in three runs last term, Roger Varian’s gelding acquitted himself well in better company.

A repeat of his half-length second to Idaho in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, or his third to Second Step at Goodwood, would probably be good enough to land the 1m 4f Listed contest at Ascot.

QUEEN OF TIME (3.25) was unfortunate to clip heels and dislodge her rider at Goodwood last Saturday but the forecast fast ground will be right up her street. Henry Candy’s filly is 5lb higher than when running fourth over course and distance last June in the highly competitive Sandringham Handicap at the royal meeting, but appears progressive.

The Totescoop6 Victoria Cup is a minefield with 29 runners declared but I’m hopeful VIVA SERENDIPITY (4.00) will reward an each-way interest.

Mark Dwyer rode Zhui Feng (third last year) to victory in the Royal Hunt Cup under enterprising tactics but switches to Viva Serendipity. Stuart Williams’s gelding returned from a 174-day absence to record an encouraging third to Love Dreams at Chelmsford City last month and that run should have him spot-on. Runner-up Lucymai scored with a bit in hand at Chelmsford City on Thursday evening.

Northern raider Kynren finished third in the Doncaster Spring Mile and should go well if stall two doesn’t prove a serious disadvantage.

Aidan O’Brien would have had several potential candidates to run in the Betfred Derby Trial at Lingfield and KEW GARDENS (2.30) is his sole representative.

Kew Gardens was a bit disappointing when a well beaten third to Mildenberger in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket but he will take a deal of stopping if recapturing the form which saw him beat Dee Ex Bee in the Zetland Stakes.

Corelli justified short odds at Yarmouth (soft) and this much tougher test will be more informative.

The Pertemps Swinton Hurdle at Haydock is always an exciting handicap and Paul Nicholls has a live chance with ACT OF VALOUR (3.10).

He ran a fine race at Sandown last time, fading up the hill on holding ground after looking the most likely winner at the final flight. Today’s faster surface on a sharp track can provide the vital spark.

On a rare mixed card, ALFA McGUIRE (4.55) is worth a second look in the one-mile handicap.

Bryan Smart’s colt was pipped by Mont Kinabalu in a blanket finish at Beverley and there is nothing between them here. Alfa McGuire is a dual winner on good to firm, so if the rain stays away the top weight gets the nod.