2:55 Ascot Tips

On the back of the York romp EXTREMELY ZAIN could well be a handicap blot. On what we have seen too date looks a Group horse of the highest calibre. 15/8 is skinny but is open to any amount of improvement. This looks certainly easier than next weeks's Golden Mile at Goodwood where he has an entry. Horses with a similiar profile have don well for this trainer

Extremely Zain is a justifiable favourite and I was on at York when he won recently, but the price has gone and I think Mezcala is capable of troubling the fav. He was my nap on the Thursday of Royal Ascot and he could potentially improve for that run, so despite having the best of the draw that day, he should have plenty enough to go close here before moving into graded company.

Improved this year since the gelding operation. Has a turn of foot, as shown when winning here 15 days ago. Will like the distance, and the trainer has a good record in large handicap races.

Three narrow defeats for the 4yo in his three turf starts this year, and progressive RPR ratings posted. A little unlucky two weeks ago when a close 2nd of 13 in a quality handicap. Drawn in stall 1 on the near side, switching early to sit at the rear of the middle/far side group, 2f out he was back on the near side after looking for room and at the line he was just a head behind the winner back on the far side. He could be a big player in this handicap if the jockey keeps him on a straight line.

He shines in large handicaps on the straight course and at the distance at Ascot. With placings in both the Victoria Cup and Buckingham Palace Stakes this season, his 16/1 odds are particularly appealing each-way.

Won first time out this season at Newbury. Struggled in two Listed races since. Can bounce back here in a handicap and has a decent each-way chance.

This horse finished 3rd over course and distance off a 1 lb higher handicap mark. Ran well two starts ago at York and is a huge price in this ultra-competitive handicap.