Ascot Saturday BY JOSH RODDER The track is a Good (3) as of Friday lunchtime, with a penetrometer of 6.3 (Perth measurements are different to those in the Eastern States, because of a different sand based track). The rail moves to six metres and will go back to true next Saturday, Railway Stakes day. According to track manager Gordon Menzies the track will be watered Friday night. There is a good cushion of grass at the 6m position. FORECAST – SATURDAY MORNING SHOWER. MIN 15, MAX 23.
Race 1 – Western Meat Packers Handicap [3YO] [Open 57+] 1100m 4:05pm [EDST] Scary Movie (6) is an early scratching. It’s a nice three-year-old event to begin proceedings. The majority of the field have natural speed and the pressure will be right on. Classic Smile (5) and Arcaxaar (3) will make the running, with The Entourage (2) in the box seat, and Wizards Point (1) and Trustee Brown (8) handy to the speed. It was hard not to be impressed with the debut win on Melbourne Cup day of the well-bred Sealynx (4). The Stan Batestrained Elvstroem colt was posted three wide outside the leaders with no cover at 1200m, and won in comprehensive fashion. The overall time was only just outside that the older, more seasoned sprinter Kim Trader recorded late in the day. From a nice draw Peter Knuckey will put him in a sweet spot, stalking the leaders, and from there he is clearly the horse to beat. Trustee Brown was very good on debut, racing outside a fast speed and fighting hard, only being nabbed very late by Stars Aligned, who franked the form in this grade last Saturday, along with Scary Movie, a winner midweek. Iron horse Wizards Point had 11 starts in his first season of racing with some terrific results in strong company. He has had a nice
break and resumes without a trial, but you know what you get from the guy. Will get a nice run and will be competitive. Arcaxaar chased a fast speed first-up and got tired. He strips fitter and will give backers a sight on the speed.
VERDICT Back (4) Sealynx with confidence. (8) Trustee Brown is the horse to run down. (1) Wizards Point and (3) Arcaxaar are on the next line. Include (2) The Entourage and (7) Barometric in wider multiple be types.
Race 2 – Margaret River Fresh Handicap [3YO+] [62-74] 1200m 4:45pm [EDST] Big field with various form lines clashing makes this race a little tricky. There looks to be hot speed and pressure, giving all horses their winning chance. Quiz Time (5) is likely to find the lead from a pack including Kim Trader (4), who may elect to take a sit behind the speed – Russell Road (3), blinkers on, Siamese Cat (14), Dane Smile (13) and Gum Nut Guru (10). I’m sticking with Kim Trader, who is a professional racehorse. He begins quickly, has a high cruising speed and then a big kick at the finish. His win on Melbourne Cup day was dominant. From his kind barrier (2) Shaun McGruddy has options. Unbeaten second-up and at the Ascot 1200m. Second-up last time in he took care of the handy sprinter Shock Value here at 1200m. His trainer Malcolm Burnett does not have many runners, but when he saddles one up, they often win. The blow-out if they overcook it in front might be Radiant Prince (6). He has always shown glimpses and last start, off a freshenup, he hit the line with gusto. Expect a big finish. Siamese Cat resumes for new yard – Adam Durrant, who is on fire. He is not big but has a motor and his recent Lark Hill trial second suggests he is up and running. He is a firstup winner and has gate speed to overcome his wide draw. Diminutive filly Dane Smile is shooting for a winning hat-trick and her Pinjarra win
was effortless. She has the right form references to measure up here. I give serious winning claims to Smart Chance (11), a progressive type, Gum Nut Guru (10), who does not know how to run a bad race, Classic Lad (9), who is in better form that what it shows on paper, Russell Road, who has drawn well, and Kingsley Blue (15), a gifted maiden.
V
VERDICT The safe way to go is to back (4) Kim Trader and save something small on (6) Radiant Prince and (14) Siamese Cat at odds. (13) Dane Smile, (11) Smart Chance, (10) Gum Nut Guru, (9) Classic Lad, (3) Russell Road and (15) Kingsley Blue are on the next line. Include in wide exotics (2) King Risca, (5) Quiz Time and (12) Ace In The Pak.
Race 3 – Jungle Mist Classic [3YO+ Fillies & Mares] [Listed] [78+] 1200m, 5:25pm [EDST] Hot mares’ race with oodles of depth and plenty of speed and pressure engaged. Versarc (15) can lead with Pillow Time (13) keeping her busy. Brooklyn’s Rose (5) is extremely fast. This trio will cross and lead the remainder of their rivals without a problem. The barrier makes it tricky, but Flight Path (11) could not have been any more impressive last time. The Bletchley Park half-sister to local champ Scenic Shot was never going to lose in the run at Ascot on October 24 and really opened up like a quality mare. There appears to be enough speed for Shaun McGruddy to angle in to the running line somewhere just off the pressure, and I find it difficult to see any of her rivals giving her a big start and running past her. She has proven her steel previously, sitting wide and winning, so willing to take a chance. Royal Devotion (14) is bomb proof. She is drawn to get all the favours and will look the winner in the straight. She was brave two starts back, when just beaten by Jeverre (since won), and last start held on well when probably raced like the 1000m was a touch short. Set for this and is a major player.