Horse racing tips plus best bets for Ascot, Lingfield, Thirsk, Hexham, Haydock, Nottingham and Warwick

Our man Garry Owen has picked out his tips on a busy day of racing action.

Don't forget to follow all of Saturday's action in our weekly LIVE horse racing blog.

VAFORTINO (4.05) can reign for thriving Kevin Philippart De Foy in the trappy Victoria Cup at Ascot.

The gelding looked useful when taking a hot Leopardstown maiden for Joseph O’Brien in April 2020.

Not as good the next twice, he bounced back when bolting up from Eastern Voice at Roscommon.

The four-year-old built on that effort when third to Sweet Gardenia in Listed company at Tipperary.

However, he was sold to his current connections after his form tailed-off at the end of last season.

He looked revitalised by that switch when chinned by the useful Bless Him on debut at Newcastle.

There is plenty more to come from this pacey type who can take full advantage of an inviting mark.

MASCAT (1.45) can give Jump Ace Joe Tizzard a rare Flat winner in the competitive opener.

The five-year-old developed into a pretty decent novice hurdler over the Winter for Harriet Brown.

He made a superb debut for his new yard when just held by Going Gone back on the level at Epsom.

The tough gelding remains on an attractive mark so he can go one better in another decent contest.

STOWELL (2.20) can hunt down his rivals for John Gosden in the Listed Buckhounds Stakes.

The colt didn’t stay 1m 5f when flopping behind Yibir in the Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket last July.

However, he showed signs of a revival when third to Max Vega on his return in a Newbury Group 3.

The four-year-old should be primed so he can win this slightly weaker event under Frankie Dettori.

SOFT WHISPER (3.30) can shrug off a welter-burden for Saeed bin Suroor in the EBF Handicap.

The filly earned her big