ITV Racing Tips: Mojito to cause a stir in Ascot’s Challenge Cup

There’s live racing from Ascot, Newmarket and Redcar this Saturday, where the intriguing Sun Chariot Stakes takes centre stage.

Top-trainers John Gosden and Aidan O’Brien will go to war once again after last weekend’s battle in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

For Chantilly, however, see Newmarket and what promises to be a titanic tussle between Persuasive and Roly Poly at 14:40.

There are a further six races live on ITV4 and as always we’ve got you covered for all of the action…

NAP – Mojito – 15:35, Ascot

This in-form three-year-old has landed his last three contests and may not be done winning yet.

The colt handled the step-up in class well last time out to claim an impressive distance win over a mile at York.

Two victories over this Saturday’s distance preceded that hat-trick run so the step back down in trip shouldn’t be a problem. And with champion jockey Jim Crowley resuming riding duties, we reckon that magnificent form is set to continue.

He’s upped 9lbs by the handicapper, but the William Haggas trained charge looks progressive enough to land the four-timer.

NB – Roly Poly – 14:40, Newmarket

The feature race of the day sees John Gosden and Aidan O’Brien go to battle once again with fancied pair Persuasive and Roly Poly.

It may have gone the way of Gosden last weekend but this time we fancy O’Brien’s charge to prevail as the trainer edges towards what would be a record-breaking 25 Group 1 victories this calendar year.

Why? Well, Roly Poly has the greater experience at this level compared to her front-running rival.

The three-year-old may have missed out at Leopardstown last time but she’s landed two Group 1 contests already this season.

Connections claimed victory here 12 months ago and we fancy them to repeat the feat in this their third meeting of the season.

Lively Longshot – Razzmatazz – 13:50, Ascot

Razzmatazz has defied odds of 33/1 and 50/1 to bag a place on her last two starts.

She’s a shorter price for this contest but still looks good value to hit the frame behind Waady, who should do the business out front.

The rest of the field have failed to impress on recent form and we’re expecting the three-year-old to take full advantage.

Clive Cox’s runner will need to improve again here but has an excellent chance of continuing her upward trajectory over 5f.

ITV Racing Tips

13:50 Ascot – Razzmatazz (Lively Longshot)

14:05 Newmarket – Marie of Lyon

14:25 Ascot – Waldgeist

14:40 Newmarket – Roly Poly (NB)

15:00 Ascot – Blue Point

15:20 Redcar – Crownthorpe

15:35 Ascot – Mojito (NAP) 

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.