Dave Nevison: Ascot tips and a pick for Pontefract

Bearwith is returning to for the first time since he made his debut for a little less than two years ago. He very much needed the run on that occasion and finished down the field, but he has improved steadily since then and is now a stone higher in the ratings. 

The six-year-old could still be well handicapped on turf as his recent improvement has come on the all-weather while his turf mark has lagged behind. Bearwith won at and last summer too, so I doubt very much that he wouldn’t be able to maintain his improvement back on turf. 

He has got a very good draw in stall two and will hopefully be able to hold a decent position on the rail. Even if he misses the kick - as he sometimes does - if he comes home the way he did at Southwell last time then he should go very close here.

Mister Bluebird came back fresh and in his best form after a break last spring and, if he does the same again this season, he could go very close here. 

He begins this season back on a mark of 80, the same rating he opened up from last term, and he is a couple of pounds below his last winning rating. 

Mister Bluebird is often ridden by decent apprentices and trainer has engaged Aidan Keeley, who claims a useful 3lb, and on soft ground that will be no concern. 

The form of this course winner tailed off markedly after the summer of last season, but hopefully he is returning to Ascot fresh and ready to go again in this very winnable division.

Roarin’ Success won over this straight mile at Ascot on her reappearance last summer and I have no doubt that this race will have been a bit of plan to start her off in this term. 

Trainer has made an excellent start to this turf season and most of his runners are going well on their reappearance, so I have no doubts about fitness. In fact, it appears that having a decent break suits this filly. 

Roarin' Success is only 4lb higher than for her win last summer and that also came on soft ground, so conditions here will suit her well.