Tastahil can thrill Ascot

Of his rivals, Balthazaar's Gift also has a fair record here, but he wouldn't want the ground to dry out too much, while I also have the utmost respect for Zidane and Intrepid Jack.

2.20: Should the ground dry up a bit more and the forecast suggests that it will, then Young Mick must have a fine chance of finishing the season on a high following several near misses.

He was unlucky not to finish closer in the rearranged Ebor at Newbury and he should have won here a fortnight ago when finishing strongly behind Night Crescendo.

Yet the handicapper seems to know everything about him and the old boy will need luck in running again, so the vote goes to Tastahil.

The Barry Hills-trained runner has been crying out for a proper test at this trip after four good back-to-back performances in similar grade.

The one race which highlights his chance off a mark of 95 is his second to Bankable over a mile here earlier in the season.

Pevensey looks sure to step up on his recent performances from a much better draw, but he may need the ground to stay soft to play a part, while both Allied Powers, who comes from a stable that is in great form, and Buddhist Monk are also respected in a tough heat.

2.50: If Weald Park can reproduce his run in the Superlative Stakes, then he will surely go very close in this lesser company, but the percentage call here is to go with the improver Alazeyab.

Michael Jarvis's charge may have the most to find on form, but this Racing Post Trophy entry is very highly regarded by his shrewd handler and he would not overuse him at this stage of his career.

3.30: Ibn Khaldun romped home in this race last year, but it seems that Godolphin's representative Anmar is not held in the same high esteem this year.

So, I have no hesitation in nominating Derby entry Taameer as the one to bet on.

I was mightily impressed by how this son of Beat Hollow quickened up in fine style to beat off Full Toss at Newbury last time out.

He has bags of scope and, although a more potent test of stamina would help, this trip at this venue should see him progress substantially again.

Four Winds is a likeable individual that stays very well and strikes me as the biggest danger to the selection.

4.05: Ascot Lime is sure to be all the rage here after being taken out of his chosen engagement due to the fast ground at Newmarket last week, but I am going to give one last chance to King Charles back over his optimum trip.

I thought that he would be a big player in Cambridgeshire last week, as that test looked sure to suit, but he has been saved for this and, on his fast-finishing effort in the Duke of Edinburgh, he has every chance here.

Farringdon's Doubles

SATURDAY

Tastahil
Ascot 2:20 (nap)

Alazeyab
Ascot 2:50

SUNDAY

Attacca
Great Leighs 2:25 (nap)

Hometown
Great Leighs 3:35

Houseman's Choice

SATURDAY

Magic Cat
Ascot 1:10

SUNDAY

Alexandros
Bath 5:05