Ascot Saturday

2:05 Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% British EBF Fillies’ Handicap 1m

Arisaig gave the impression she might have won if getting the breaks at Goodwood last week, and a repeat of that effort in listed company should be good enough to see her win back in a handicap.

She tracked Sirona on the rail at Goodwood and was full of running with a furlong left, but the gap she was in need of between the leader and the far rail failed to open and she crossed the line in fifth. Her rider was still holding a double handful. This is easier on paper and there ought to be no hard luck stories at this straight mile.

2:40 Schweppes Victoria Cup 7f

The Victoria Cup looks typically open, but if there is one thing than jumps off the page immediately, it’s that those drawn in single figures lack any obvious leader to track through the contest and that should give the high-drawn runners a significant advantage.

Ten Pounds is the pick for all his win at the Craven Meeting was slightly dented by the defeat of runner-up Fifty Nifty last week. That said, Ten Pounds won with something up his sleeve and has developed an excellent record away from soft ground, with form figures since debut of 1111.

He’s not at all flashy but keeps improving and may yet be some way ahead of the handicapper, and I’m encouraged to hear Harry Charlton explain that all the jockeys who rode him work as a juvenile thought he was slow, as he’s clearly the type to hide his true ability underneath a laid-back attitude.

There are dangers in there, of course, with recent Haydock winner Myal sure to run well again from the highest draw, while Gleneagle Bay looked like he would benefit from a strongly run race at this trip when a close fifth at the Curragh last time.

3:15 Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Handicap 1m 3f 211yds

Fireblade, a full-brother to Cracksman, failed to win for that champion’s connections, but immediately showed improved form on debut for Dylan Cunha by winning on handicap debut at Leicester over this trip, and that despite losing ground by racing wide on the bends.

He looked to have something to spare there and will remain competitive from his revised mark, so gets the vote here, for all the unexposed Turquino is very much feared. The latter has won both starts to date and such horses are often hard for the assessor to get a handle on.

5:00 Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Blue Ribbon Handicap 6f

Not a televised race, but this sprint handicap features as part of a huge Scoop6 rollover, so I’m keen to give it a second look. The draw favours those on the wings, and Northcliff can continue his good recent form on debut for Thomas Faulkner.

A winner at Wetherby and Brighton in April, he has looked an improved performer with a visor replacing cheekpieces and was the winner of this race last year for his previous stable.

Dashing Dick could be a danger at a big price. He failed to beat a rival on his return at Leicester, but it was a similar story last year before he clicked into gear on his next start, and he has the benefit of having blinkers replacing cheekpieces. Just as he had when returning to his best last summer.

Haydock Saturday

1:35 Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle 1m 7f 147yds

I looked at last year’s runner-up Tapley, who hinted at a revival at Hereford last time and has fallen in the weights after a spell over fences.

He could easily bounce back, particularly with Sean Bowen taking over from regular pilot Elizabeth Gale, but I’ve deserted him in favour of the unexposed Dance And Glance, who is a similar price and has lots of potential after just one eyecatching run in handicaps.

Dance And Glance benefited from a breathing operation when beating Fasal at Taunton on his penultimate start and he gave Bareback Jack far too much rope before finishing best for second at Bangor last time.

Bareback Jack was kicked for home at the penultimate flight when winning at Bangor, but the selection was caught behind a wall of horses and only extricated himself when the winner had built up an unassailable lead.

He ran on strongly in the clear, and while he could do with polishing up his hurdling, he’s clearly ahead of his opening mark.

Lingfield Saturday

1:50 William Hill Top Price

Guarantee Handicap 1m 2f

Mister Daydream is turned out quickly under a penalty for beating the disappointing Masekela at Hamilton on Sunday and he looks opposable with the handicapper unlikely to hit him that hard for an all-out success.

Morcar makes some appeal as a course and distance winner who was back to form when a close third on similar ground at Windsor last time. The five-year-old is again ridden by Alec Voikhansky and has a handy low draw which should enable to take up a handy position.

His course record, all over course and distance, is 331 and his ability to show his best form under prevailing conditions is a bonus at a track not all horses relish.

The other one to note in terms of course form is Party Island, who has been placed on both his starts on fast turf here, albeit over slightly further.

He has no secrets from the handicapper at the age of eight, but ought to be competitive in a race lacking a standout contender.

4:45 William Hill More Top Prices Handicap 4f 217yds

Another Scoop6 contest and an interesting one for the draw, with the bias swinging in recent times in favour of those drawn low, and there are a couple who take the eye.

So Smart from the lowest stall has early speed and a record in Class 5 handicaps on quick ground of 42213. A poor run last time is forgivable, and Grace Harris’s charge will be a big price as a result.

Preference, though, is for Level Up, who has won two of his last three when granted five furlongs and firmish ground and looks well enough berthed in the middle here. He was a winner on his most recent start in these conditions, and now finds himself 7lb lower, which looks generous.

Arisaig 2:05 Ascot – 1pt win @ 5/2 (general)

Ten Pounds 2:40 Ascot – 1pt e/w @ 9/1 (general – 5 places)

Fireblade 3:15 Ascot – 1pt win @ 5/1 (general)

Dance And Glance 1:35 Haydock – 1pt e/w @ 10/1 (general – 5 places)