Ben Morgan’s Saturday tips – Ascot & Haydock – Star Of Guiting the one to follow

Ascot 2.20 – Khafiz looks ready to pop

A wide open Victoria Cup will remind punters just how hard these Saturday handicaps are throughout the Summer but purists like me will still be having a go at finding the winner.

Having backed most of these over course and distance I’m sure something will come and bite me on the rear end but I am siding with an unexposed one in the shape of KHAFIZ who looks to have plenty of upside.

Now under the care of Ed Bethell, he returned at Haydock recently and did plenty early enough when following a strong pace.

He still travelled well into the thick end of the race before tying up in the final half furlong or so which was fair enough.

I find it interesting Callum Rodriguez maintains the faith in him when the stable’s other representative, Yorkshire, boasts some strong form over course and distance.

Connections must think plenty of him and with the stiff 7f here potentially proving his optimum he could make 16/1 look good each way value come 2.30 on Saturday.

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Haydock 1.15 – Shooting Star to arrive late in competitive Swinton

Ewan Whillians has done a fantastic job with STAR OF GUITING so far this year and despite his Spring plans not quite going the way he hoped I think he could round off his campaign in fine style here.

I have followed this strong traveller all season and he has rewarded me plemnty already but I think there could be more to come.

A horse who enjoys coming through the field, not all races are run to suit but the start at Aintree last time left him very little chance whatever his running style.

He forfeited at least 10 lengths to the field as the starter let them go but was only beaten 7 lengths in a race where it paid to be prominent so I think you can mark that run up substantially.

As a consequence he lines up here off the same mark and that could just be lenient enough to see him get his head back in front.

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