Saturday Racing Tips: Be Lucky at Ascot this afternoon

With nine races on Channel 4 on Saturday, there is no space for the usual waffling pre-amble, so let us get straight down to business. And we will do it in chronological order this week, meeting by meeting.
 
We will start at Ascot where Muthmir, hugely impressive when winning the Portland last time, will take the world of beating in the opener at 14:05.
 
I would have probably backed him for the Abbaye on Sunday had he been allowed to take his chance there and I don't envisage defeat here. But I can let him go unbacked at odds of around 11-8 because he does have three or four credible opponents against him, and you won't get rich backing in those circumstances in the long term.
 
The Cumberland Lodge Stakes at 14:40 is not my cup of tea at all, and the same was initially true of the Group 3 sprint at 15:15.
 
However, on reflection and a bit more video study, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Lucky Kristale went close here. 
 
Last year's Lowther winner hasn't been getting home over 7f/1m this year, but she shaped much more promisingly at Doncaster last time - she briefly looked like taking a hand in the finish when making her move up the inner approaching the furlong pole - and the step back down to 6f could see her be very competitive here.
 
She is unpenalised for that Group 2 win last year and she rates a fair bet at odds of 18.017/1 or better, though I would be worried if a lot of rain did arrive, so keep an eye on the forecast.
 
I see my old friend Fort Bastion has joined David O'Meara and that is a long term project I shall be following with interest, and probably a fair few quid, too.
 
But the horse's superb new trainer has had him less than a week and that surely isn't enough time for him to turn this tricky sort around, though it is interesting that O'Meara has reached for the visor instead of the blinkers already.
 
I was also interested in Grey Mirage reverting to turf, but I think O'Meara will win this, just not with Fort Bastion.
 
The advice is to back his Highland Acclaim at odds of 9.417/2 or better in the 15:50.
 
Once again, I wouldn't want too much rain for him as he is best on a sound surface, so keep an eye out on the weather.
 
We are playing at the top of the market for a change but the horse has plenty going for him. He should have won over course and distance last month - he lost a lot of ground at the start when he missed the kick and his rider switched him far too sharply to the rail from a wide draw - and he also met plenty of trouble in the Ayr Gold Cup last time, when staying on well.
 
Up to 7f and with Danny Tudhope back in the saddle, I'll be mightily surprised if he isn't in the first four at least.
 
Over at Newmarket, Osaila has every right to be trading around even money in 13:50, and I am not in a rush to oppose her at the price.
 
And the other sales race at 14:20 isn't floating my boat either.
 
In fact, the whole of the Newmarket card has a no-bet look to it. Nothing stands out the prices in the Oh So Sharp Stakes at 14:55but if you are playing in the Sun Chariot Stakes at 15:30, then expect a much-improved performance from Integral.
 
It has been reported that she came back with a bruised foot from Deauville last time, but it was a little bit more than that as well. Connections apparently expect to see her back to her best in this race, but at around 3-1 I don't think that the layers are giving that much away in such a competitive Group 1.
 
Over at Redcar in the 15:05, Limato is a short-priced favourite at around 7-4  - and justifiably so - but he may not have it all his own way.
 
If you are looking for an alternative I suggest you take a look at Mattmu, a good third in a sales race at Doncaster last time - he is a fair each way poke at around 8-1 - but I personally won't be getting involved.
 
So only two bets for us on Saturday, but tune in at the same time tomorrow, when I have at least four bets lined up for Arc day.
 
Be lucky.
 
Recommended Bets
 
Back Lucky Kristale at 18.017/1 or better in the 15:15 at Ascot
Back Highland Acclaim at 9.417/2 or better in 15:50 at Ascot