Train's Ascot Selections

Perth Turf Talk | Metropolitan Racing | Sat 17 October, 2020

R1- WITHOUT REASON is racing in top form and no reason he can’t win again here. Won with dominance three starts ago chasing a strong speed before luckless run behind a tiring leader two back when still able to pick up into third. Chased another strong tempo last start when narrowly beaten. Draws wide in this to keep him out of traffic and he should roll forward and sit just off the speed and make his move near the turn.

R2- REWRITE THE STARS brings really good form to a race like this from last campaign. Placed behind Showmanship and Bright diamond early last prep before back to back victories in lesser grade. Has some niggles so willing to forgive the flop last start as her recent trial was encouraging in front of a subsequent winner. She’s versatile so Azzopardi has options from three but expect her to find a spot close to the speed.

R3- SECRET PLAN was electric on debut coming from last over 1000m to win comfortably. Did a little bit wrong on that occasion and suspect he will have only gotten better with the 6 week break to take it all in. He will have to get a long way back again here but there looks to be good tempo engaged and the extra 200 will help too. This is a big test for a last start maiden winner but he looks an above average type.

R4- BRITISH BESSY didn’t seem to appreciate going back to Belmont last campaign. Put in two big runs at Ascot beforehand in far tougher races than what she faces here having split Utgard Loki and Lorentinio in 72+ grade first up. Returns to racing early in the new Ascot season and from the draw can sit a little closer than usual. Will need a little bit of luck to get a run but looks good value in the race.

R5- INDIGO BLUE raced outside the handicap as a 3yo against the older horses at Kalgoorlie and did a good job under the circumstances. Got a long way back and was getting home as well as Beethoven near the line. Extra 100 suits as does barrier four so that she can sit a little closer. Beat Dom To Shoot and market rival PRECAUTIONARY two back and a repeat of either of her last two runs would see her hard to beat.

R6- CHIX PIC is a handy horse who has trialled well for his return. Raced almost exclusively in 78+ grade last campaign with his only run in this grade being a victory over Essential Spice. He rarely runs a bad race and from barrier one he can put himself close to the speed and try and avoid traffic. They’ll go quick here and when the field opens up he’ll get his run.

R7- Best Bet: INDIAN PACIFIC show his class as a late season 3yo. He beat Windstorm and Levitate early into his campaign before facing the older horses when attacked in a fast run 1200 behind Long Beach and Nerodio. His last start before a spell he bolted in over 1000m running super time and looked sharp in his recent trial in good time. Draws directly outside Mervyn to follow him across and sit outside or behind him and will be hard to get past.

R8- CUP NIGHT was an improved run last start when Stretching Stageman and beating a number of his rivals at 1200. Gets back to Ascot and up 1400 here and should appreciate the extra bit of speed engaged here. Drawn wide but Carbery likes to ride him back in the field and he should be able to find some cover. From there he’ll be looking for a cart into the race and if he gets one he will fly late.

R9- BAD WOLF really turned a corner two starts ago with a powerful win after the money came for him. Didn’t have any luck last start in a fast run race and backs up out of that and gets to 1400. Has run well off the quick spin in the past so expecting him to bounce back here in the smaller field. Will get back to near last from the draw and be looking for cover but if he can avoid bad luck he can play a part.