Horse Racing Tips: Let's hear it for the Boy at Ascot

Ascot, 15.45 - Back Holloway Boy each-way @ 6/17.00

It is nearly four years ago that Holloway Boy announced himself on the world stage with victory in the Chesham Stakes and he is fancied to reprise that success with another victory at his favourite venue today.

The six-year-old has spent most of the winter globetrotting in the Middle East with three starts at Meydan and another in Qatar where he chased home Make Me King who subsequently finished a fine fourth to Ombudsman in the Grade 1 Dubai Turf.

Holloway Boy also bumped into bet365 Mile winner Opera Ballo in Dubai and subsequent Group 1 placed Qudwah so mixed it at a high level which makes him appealing now that he returns to Listed company for this Queen Anne Trial.

Karl Burke's gelding failed by just a head to concede a stone to talented three-year-old Crown Of Oaks in the Balmoral Handicap last October on his last start at the Berkshire venue and he should relish the homecoming with William Buick (stats read 1013 aboard the selection) booked to partner the course lover.

Newmarket, 16.05 - Back Elarak @ 7/24.50

An encouraging comeback in a strong speed figure at Thirsk should have put Elarak spot on for his Rowley Mile return.

The Charlie Hills-trained four-year-old sprung an 18-1 surprise last September over course and distance when Tom Marquand made a beeline for the far rail and dominated a competitive handicap which also featured Silver Ghost who finished four lengths in arrears.

While the handicapper had his say, raising the selection 7lbs for the decisive win, Elarak's comeback at Thirsk suggested a revised rating of 103 remains workable as he looked threatening for a few strides before a lack of race fitness took its toll.

Given his form on the Rowley Mile, Hills could well have targeted this Class 2 affair from some way out and it will be interesting to see if Marquand employs the same tactics from stall one this time round.

Newmarket, 17.15 - Back Lady Roxby @ 16/54.20

It is largely anybody's guess how the Newmarket draw will pan out on day one, but hopefully it is a fair track for all and, if that is the case, then Lady Roxby should be very competitive from stall 13.

Circumstances probably combined to contribute to a comeback defeat at Kempton as the selection ended up making the running from her wide draw despite the fact she is arguably a more potent force when taking a lead.

Her effort over course and distance last September was achieved in a much more competitive and well-contested affair than this event and, with her stable among the winners of late, she ought to post a big effort with conditions to suit providing there is no significant draw bias to compromise her chance.

Now read more horse racing columns here