3:05 Ascot Tips

Munsif was a classy middle-distance handicapper on the flat for Roger Varian, and it is slightly surprising that he remains a maiden over hurdles after four runs in Ireland for Charles Byrnes. Three third places and a fifth place against decent opposition have given him the highest handicap mark in this Ascot field for his first handicap hurdle. He could have too much pace for the rest despite top weight.

He showed distinct promise when too keen in front last time out, ultimately doing far too much too early in the race. He has had a wind operation since, and coupled with a tongue strap for the first time we've confidence this will help him settle and breathe. In juvenile handicap hurdle company for the first time, on decent ground for the Henderson yard, the price of 9/2 represents a very solid win bet.

Ex-French who makes handicap debut here. If handling this quicker ground, should have an each-way chance. The form of his last couple of runs looks decent.

Gallivanted could be overpriced at 10-1 for at least a place here from the bottom of the handicap, as he did too much too soon last time.

This horse won on the flat for Charlie Johnson and seems to have taken well to this new discipline. Steps into the unknown of handicap company but remains with potential. Could go well.

Hasn't run his race in the last two starts when the going was described as soft. If that's the reason for the poor runs, today's good ground and the drop in the weights could be the catalyst for a better run at a massive price.