TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

It's the closing curtain on the 2025 flat season and we've got the prestigious Champions Day from Ascot. Will all seven races shown live on ITV we cover them all right here. 12:55 ASCOT

With just the five runners set to go to post it's tricky to look for an each-way alternative and it's hard to envisage anything but former course and distance victor Trawlerman finishing in front. On a three-race winning streak, he finished ahead of stablemate Sweet William last time out, and the result isn't likely to be reversed.

Stay True looks the most likely to disrupt the Gosden pair.

TRAWLERMAN (WIN)

13:30 ASCOT

Godolphin's Words Of Truth claimed group race success when last seen, and as such, enters this contest with the best form on offer. Set to go off the short-priced favourite but with good reason, and looks the one to beat.

William Haggas's Division claimed a listed race last week and did so in convincing fashion. This looks a tougher test but more than capable of finishing in the frame.

At bigger odds Ardisia has proven himself capable in this company but has had a tougher campaign than most. If that's not left a mark on him he could outrun his odds.

WORDS OF TRUTH (WIN)

14:05 ASCOT

Art Power and King Cuan filled the top two spots in Ireland last time and that form could be reversed. Paddy Twomey's runner stayed on strongly in the closing stages and with this race likely to be set to a quicker pace that could suit the four-year-old and he could be an each-way option for punters.

Another that could go well at a price is former course and distance victor Inisherin. Finished a length behind Lazzat at Haydock when last seen and can finish close to that horse once again.

Big Mojo claimed that Haydock contest and he, along with Lazzat, look the biggest threats.

KING CUAN (E/W)

INISHERIN (E/W)

14:45 ASCOT

Unfortunately, David O'Meara's Estrange didn't take up her Arc de Triomphe engagement but could prove she deserved her shot at Longchamp by claiming this Group 1. She's only lost to the more than capable Minnie Hauk this season and that looks to be very strong form. Although Kalpana, Waardah and Wemighttakedlongway are more than capable of toppling the selection Estrange looks the one to be on.

ESTRANGE (WIN)

15:25 ASCOT

If you're a firm believer in the old adage 'horses for courses', then Docklands should be at the top of your shortlist. He's never finished outside of the top three in seven previous starts at the royal course and it's hard to see him not finish in the money once again.

Fallen Angel has picked up victories in their last three starts and demands the upmost respect however this looks a tougher test. Capable of going close but should find one or two too good.

Irish Guineas winner Field Of Gold was having a stellar season until a disappointing defeat last time. If he's near his best he'll demolish this opposition however there's plenty of questions he has to answer here and at the prices he's not easy to side with.

At much bigger odds Ballydoyle's January might fair better than many expect. She's not claimed a win in all six of her 2025 starts but went close when last seen at this venue. She's also filled the runners-up spot in two subsequent Group 1's. Capable on her day and might produce a better effort now back at Ascot.

DOCKLANDS (E/W)

JANUARY (E/W)

16:05 ASCOT

Ombudsman and Delacroix meet once more with the score at 1-1 with the pair finishing first and second and the same in reverse in two previous meetings. This could be the decider and the pair are sure to make the frame once more however this prestigious contest could be heading over the English Channel. Calandagan was last seen winning at Royal Ascot and has had an easier campaign than Delacroix and seems to be on a steeper trajectory of improvement than Ombudsman. The trio look head and shoulders above the rest and the preference goes to Calandagan.

CALANDAGAN (WIN)

16:40 ASCOT

The seventh and final race on the card sees the only handicap of the meeting and with 20 runners set to compete it's tough to decipher.

Last time out winner Shout took home course and distance success last month but a 9lb rise in weight has made this a very tough ask.

Another horse whose chances might be scuppered by the handicapper is Great Acclaim. He went well in his last two starts, with both taking place here at Ascot, but off a mark of 100 that extra burden makes him open to those with less to carry.

At the head of the market course victors Native Warrior and Crown Of Oaks have strong claims in this race and it's hard to put any punter off backing either of them. That being said, with such a large field, it's better to hunt for horses that offer better value.

The pair that gets our vote is bottom-weight Bopedro and Greek Order. Bopedro has gone close at Ascot before and has been knocking on the door of success on multiple occasions this term. Now off an attractive mark he could pick up some prize money.

Greek Order is another runner who hasn't tasted success this season but has produced some eye-catching performances including when 4th of 30 in the Royal Hunt Cup here at the Royal Meeting. Now back at Ascot and with less weight to carry this time around he could potentially go close once more.

GREEK ORDER (E/W)

BOPEDRO (E/W)

written by Rory Paddock