Ascot Placepot picks: Tom Collins has three bankers in his eight-line perm

The opening apprentice handicap (1.00) is arguably the toughest to navigate for Ascot Placepot punters despite the relatively small field of nine runners for this type of contest.

However, five-year-old Mostawaa ran a big career-best to finish third in the Spring Mile – a race which has worked out well – on his return and is able to race off 5lb lower courtesy of Ellie Mackenzie's claim, so almost picks himself. Back-up comes in the form of Gin Palace, who is a big player on last season's form.

Richard Hannon won the following two-year-old conditions event (1.35) with Log Out Island in 2015 and can emulate that success with Gubbass, who was impressive on debut at Leicester.

Sandown winner Creative Flair and Kingman filly Ready To Venture provide a strong hand in leg three (2.10), while there is no need to complicate things in the feature Sagaro Stakes (2.45). It is almost impossible to picture Stradivarius finishing out of the frame.

Supremacy is the standout on figures in the Pavilion Stakes (3.20), but I want to try and get him beat. I will side with Apollo One and Jumby, both of whom were unlucky on their latest starts.

Lincoln winner Haqeeqy looks more than ready for the step up to Listed company in the closing leg (3.55) of the Placepot. Bank on him to secure a winning perm.

Ascot Placepot perm

1.00
4 Gin Palace
5 Mostawaa

1.35
2 Gubbass

2.10
2 Creative Flair
6 Ready To Venture

2.45
6 Stradivarius

3.20
2 Apollo One
3 Jumby

3.55
2 Haqeeqy

2x1x2x1x2x1=8 lines

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