The action returns to Ascot in Perth on Saturday, and another nine exciting races are on the Easingwold Stakes Day program.
The rail will be set out nine metres around the entire course and at publish, we’re faced with a track rated in the Good (4) range.
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Race 1 – 3:27pm – Magic Millions Plate (1000m)
Lucky Sue returned a nice effort on debut, and I am confident that she can break her maiden at Ascot on Saturday.
The Lucky Street filly showed ability at the trials prior to debuting, and she flashed late to finish second at Belmont last month.
She’ll enjoy plenty of improvement for that experience and can strike this week.
Race 2 – 4:07pm – Westspeed Platinum Handicap (1400m)
Blazing Away has improved for two starts back this time, and he is ready to win third-up at Ascot on Saturday.
The City Place gelding finished fifth, beaten two and a half lengths here when resuming, and he chased home the talented Trade War at Pinjarra last time.
He is drawn ideally in barrier 4 and might not be offered a better opportunity to strike on a Saturday.
Race 3 – 4:47pm – Neville Forward Memorial Plate (1400m)
The Velvet Queen can bounce back at Ascot on Saturday.
The Velvet Queen recorded consecutive and eye-catching wins and Belmont and here at Ascot first and second up this time, but she ran into trouble and finished down the order last time.
She steps out this week in peak order, she gets into the race well under the conditions, and she’ll take plenty of beating.
Race 4 – 5:27pm – Amelia Park Lodge Handicap (1000m)
Island Charm takes winning form into the fourth at Ascot this week and looks well placed to make it two in a row.
The Hinchinbrook mare has continued to improve noticeably with each start back this time, and she was rewarded for her condition with a win in similar company last time.
She can slot in behind the early pace from the outside barrier and with even luck, finish over the top of them again.
Race 5 – 6:05pm – Crown Towers Handicap (1600m)
I’m Pretty will take plenty of improvement into her second campaign start at Ascot on Saturday, and she can return to winning form.
The Dash For Cash mare won each of her first two back last time and found form around some quality gallopers, and I thought that there was a lot to like about her first-up effort this time.
The booking of William Pike is obviously ideal and she’s ready to win.
Race 6 – 6:40pm – Belhus Racing Stables Handicap (1600m)
Cable Guy has been in excellent form this time and rates as a key winning chance again at Ascot on Saturday.
Cable Guy has been strong and consistent throughout his prep, but returned to winning form at Pinjarra two starts back, before striking again at Belmont last time.
This looks a great opportunity for the hat-trick and I am happy to stick with him.
Race 7 – 7:15pm – Glenroy Chaff Handicap (2200m)
This shapes as one of the more open contests on the program, and a horse like Lady Duckworth has claims on winning at a lovely price ($9.50 at publish).
The Blackfriars mare doesn’t win out of turn, but she also rarely races poorly, and she takes her place in this contest following another credible effort for third over 2100m here at Ascot.
She’s rock-hard fit, the small rise in trip suits and we can have an each-way play at the price.
Race 8 – 7:50pm – Easingwold Stakes (1400m)
A quality field will assemble for this year’s Easingwold Stakes including clear market favourite The Spruiker.
His form has been nothing short of outstanding, but I think that there are several key winning chances engaged and for that reason, I am going to take him on.
Vital Silver has stripped fitter for two starts back this time, both stronger races than this one, and he is over the odds at $15.
The Wanted gelding has been a notable performer in high quality sprints throughout his career, and even with topweight on Saturday, I think he’ll take plenty of beating.
Race 9 – 8:25pm – Morley Growers Market Handicap (1200m)
I’m going to stick with Material Witness in the last.
Material Witness returned some lovely efforts last time in, and he resumed at Pinjarra just over a week over for a lovely win.
He’ll only improve for that effort and William Pike retains the ride.
