Saturday Racing Tips: Mister Universe claims look out of this world at Ascot

Nine races on Channel 4 but only one handicap and the rest are either trappy Conditions, Group or Sales contests, or those that feature justified short-priced favourites.

Not the easiest array of races to jemmy out some juicy plays, at least not with my brief, anyway. I nearly got sacked for tipping 4-1 poke Journey last week but my job was saved when the editors put their last fivers on and the horse duly bolted up.

I very nearly put up Wind Fire in the 14:00 - he arguably should have won at least two decent prizes this season and is ready to oblige now down in class - and Forgotten Voice really interests me in the 14:35.

He has been running really well off stiff marks in 1m6f handicaps and he meets some largely disappointing, if highly capable on their day, types in Romsdal and Hillstar in the Cumberland Lodge.

Throw in the fact that he goes well here and still has the pace to shine over 1m4f - especially as Queen Of Ice and Romsdal like to go forward, and there are other prominent racers in here too, which will hopefully generate a strongly-run affair - and I think he has chances.

As a 10yo, he is hardly the ideal profile for winning a race such as this - though 2005 winner Mubtaker was eight - but that all adds to the price. Back him at 10.09/1 or better.

*****

I think Make It Up is the likeliest winner of the 15:45 and I couldn't put you off backing this impressive Lingfield scorer at odds of around 9.617/2. And, along with Majestic Moon and Mister Universe, he is one of the few likely pace-setters in this field.

In fact, I will put him up as a saver, as I'm playing two against the field here and my main bet is going to be one of those two potential pace rivals, Mister Universe, as no way did I have him down as a 26.025/1 chance.

Unusually for a Mark Johnston handicapper, he had been off the track since mid-July before running at Newmarket last week, suggesting that he may have had a problem in the interim and that he may have needed the run.

He ran really well when beaten just over 2 lengths into sixth there - he was still in second 100 yards out - and the handicapper has dropped him 1lb for it.

He has run two of his better races this season here, winning over course and distance in May and when beaten only 3 1/4 lengths in the Jersey, and I can see him running a big race on a track that does throw up its fair share of specialists.

*****

Over at Newmarket, it is pretty obvious that Cheveley Park fourth Alice Springs has outstanding claims in the 14:15 especially as the step back up to 7f will suit her, too. The only danger for her odds-on backers is the quick reappearance.

*****

Aidan O'Brien could easily have a quick double courtesy of his Norfolk winner Waterloo Bridge in the 500k Tattersalls Millions at 14:50. He is the form choice, and his pedigree suggests 7f shouldn't be a problem, even if the run-style does give some cause for concern.

The trip is an unknown for Gifted Master too, but if I was having a bet in the race it would probably be him at around the 5-1 mark - he was gelded before winning at Newcastle last time in June and has been off since, though he seems to go well fresh - or the progressive Zhui Feng. But I am not, so let's move on.

*****

The same comment applies to the Sun Chariot at 15:30 where I think Esoterique will take the world of beating. But, given her price, you don't need me to tell you that.

In fact, I have drawn a punting blank at HQ, unless Twin Sails drifts like a barge like he did at Doncaster last time in the 13:45.

However, you didn't have to be Inspector Morse to work out that the reason he took a walk in the market, as 10 minutes before the off his trainer went on TV and said that the horse had had a setback after Newbury and that he would need the run after an interrupted preparation.

Not exactly what the trade paper had quoted him as saying the day before, but there you go.

But, anyway, he ran an excellent race to finish third at Doncaster, regardless of any hold-up. And if he does step forward from that he will take a lot of beating here.

I will back him at 5.04/1 or bigger. That is when my interest will kick in, but that price looks unlikely to materialise.

*****

Betting boots back on, though, in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar, where I think it is worth taking a flier with Haley Bop at 15:00.

She has a lot to find with the form horses Log Out Island, Orvar and Mayfair Lady but there is more encouragement from the clock as her win in a Hamilton nursery came in a fast time.

Sure, that win came off a lowly mark of 73 but she did win it very impressively by 5 lengths, and it represented another big step up from her earlier course and distance success.

The striking aspect of the performance was how well she lengthened and powered clear once getting to the rail at the 2f marker and it is not out of the realms of possibility that she can put it to some Group 2 performers here.

At 18.017/1 or bigger, I am paying to find out.

Recommended Bets
Back Forgotten Voice at 9.08/1 in the 14:35 at Ascot
Back Mister Universe at 26.025/1 in the 15:45 at Ascot
Back Make It Up at 9.617/2 in the 15:45 at Ascot
Back Haley Bop at 18.017/1 in the 15:00 at Redcar