Horse racing tips: Ascot, Ayr, Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton and Southwell – Steve Mullen’s betting preview for Friday, December 22

ASCOT 

12.45

GOOD MAN PAT has been hammering at the door with three solid placed efforts over hurdles. He was beaten in a bobbing finish at Kempton last time and this slight drop in distance looks a wise move.

His style should be suited to Ascot and you would expect further improvement.

1.20 - Mullen's star bet (add to your betslip)

DAREBIN has already established himself as a more than decent novice chaser and gave another good account when third at Sandown last time out.

He is still on his last winning mark, which gives him the advantage over course and distance winner Exitas who has shot up the weights.

1.55

This is a lot tougher than the race COEUR BLIMEY won at Wincanton last time but he was so impressive that he deserves to shoot for a Grade 2.

He enjoyed the testing ground there so these conditions should be ideal. A place is not beyond him at a big price.

Some of these rivals look pretty classy with Mr One More taking the eye for Harry Fry and Barry Geraghty.

2.30

Finian’s Oscar is dropping down from Grade 1 level where he was a well-backed third last time but BENATAR gets the nod. He was beaten by today’s likely favourite when the pair met over hurdles but he looks a much stronger performer over fences.

He was impressive at Plumpton last time and won well on his most recent visit to Ascot.

3.05

SKY PIRATE has looked a very useful prospect on his two runs to date, winning on debut at Worcester before being given a quiet time in second at Southwell last time out.

He is proven over this distance and hasn’t been clobbered by the handicapper.

3.40

DIDTHEYLEAVEUOUTTO created a very good impression when scooting away with a Lingfield bumper last time out. He comes from the family of Denman and looks to have inherited some of his engine.

This is a tougher assignment but he should be right there again.

AYR

11.55 Cool Mix

12.30 Cruachan

1.05 Nakadam

1.40 Uncle Alastair

2.15 Loug Derg Jewel

2.50 Echo Express

3.25 Sunny Destination

SOUTHWELL

11.50 First Excel

12.25 Luath

1.00 Stringbark Creek

1.35 Casterbridge

2.10 Gabrials Star

2.45 Star Ascending

3.20 Topamichi

UTTOXETER

12.00 Yasir

12.35 Bob Mahler

1.10 Maguires Glen

1.45 Timons Tara

2.20 Matts Legacy

2.55 Morney Wing

3.30 Luckofthedraw

WOLVERHAMPTON

5.45 Swissal

6.15 Ideal Candy

6.45 Brigand

7.15 Gracious John

7.45 Frank The Barber

8.15 Mr Frankie

8.45 Champagne Pink