Saturday Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets at Ascot from 10/3 to 40/1

• Evan Williams-trained outsider is no forlorn hope

• Irish-raider has the class to compete

• Likeable gelding makes appeal in competitive handicap

• Place £10 bet on any sport on the Betfair Exchange to start your Free Bet Streak

Listen to Saturday's Racing... Only Bettor!

13:15 Ascot - Back Carbon King E/W @ 40/141.00

Despite being the outsider of the field, Evan Williams-trained Carbon King is no forlorn hope in this 2m3f contest. The seven-year-old is on a workable mark from 124, having recorded his first chasing success when victorious at Ffos Las last December at odds of 14/115.00.

He was able to record another victory at the end of the season, springing another surprise at a price of 16/117.00 under Conor Ring, to win at Uttoxeter, again beating Fine Casting, who was behind on his previous win, but increasing the winning distance from a length-and-three-quarters to 14-lengths.

Now 5lbs higher than that victory, having been seen over hurdles in his previous two appearances, sent off at odds of 125/1126.00 in the Welsh Champion Hurdle before being unable to pose a threat at Uttoxeter. Although a versatile type, the return to chasing should suit given he made a promising start over the larger obstacles for his new yard.

Previously trained in Ireland by Declan Queally, the son of Malinas showed a decent level of ability at times, notably when beating now 154-rated subsequent Grade One-placed Buddy One. He also inflicted defeat upon the progressive By Your Side at Navan which followed a competitive Naas handicap success.

At the prices, Carbon King makes each-way appeal in this race. Whilst he isn't the most consistent, which reflects in his price, he is capable of being competitive on occasion and these race conditions should suit.

The trip is suitable with the return to chasing representing a positive, and the yard's runners have been performing well of late, with many placing or putting in competitive efforts.

Considering the level of ability he has shown in the past, Carbon King may be worth sticking with at generous odds, especially as his two wins for his current stable have come when sent off at a double-figure price. He has enough ability to make the frame on a going day.

13:50 Ascot - Back James Du Berlais @ 10/34.33

A closely matched field of four heads to post for the Graduation Chase at Ascot. Highest-rated in the field is James Du Berlais who gets the nod for Willie Mullins ahead of his three talented rivals.

There's only 3lb between the quartet, with the two youngest runners, Iroko and Fil Dor, both capable of showing further progression, as well as lightly raced 10-year-old Jungle Boogie, who makes only his seventh career start. However, experience could come to the fore and James Du Berlais, as well as Fil Dor, has plenty of that.

The mount of the returning Daryl Jacob had performed well in competitive handicaps last season. He finished fourth to the well-handicapped Meetingofthewaters in the Listed Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown before placing third to subsequent Listed winner, narrowly beaten in the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase, Heart Wood from a mark of 149.

He has given plenty of weight to his rivals on occasion in tough races, and was only beaten a length by Arizona Cardinal when shouldering a hefty weight in the Topham at Aintree from 151.

Although he makes his seasonal return following a hefty fall at the Punchestown Festival, the freshness angle is of no concern and could be a positive considering he has run well, and won, on reappearance in the past.

There is plenty to like about this imposing, good-looking son of Muhtathir. Although he has fallen short at Grade One level previously, he is more than capable of holding his own in a race of this nature, possessing plenty of class.

15:35 Ascot - Back Secret Squirrel E/W @ 13/27.50

The Ascot card culminates in a hugely competitive handicap hurdle and the likeable Secret Squirrel makes appeal for Hughie Morrison. He finished a decent third to Our Champ over course-and-distance on his return to action last month, having previously finished fifth in a tough handicap at Sandown on the final day of last season.

On that occasion, he finished almost seven-lengths behind Be Aware, whom he reopposes, but the mount of David Bass had some excuses that day. Having been quite keen early on, he was unable to mount as threatening a challenge as he can in the straight.

There is a 13lb swing in his favour with Be Aware on this occasion, and the unique-looking five-year-old remains on a handy mark from 126, capable of progressing beyond his current rating.

The conditions and trip will suit and he can make his presence felt in this field. The only time he has ever finished outside of the first three in the jumps sphere was in the 20-runner handicap at Sandown. Considering he boasts such impressive form figures, he is a reliable choice in this race.

Now read more horse racing previews here!