We return to Ascot for the first time for the start of the 2023/2024 Racing season. The weather will be perfect and the track looks to be a Good 4. Expect a fast track that favours those on pace. It looks to be an interesting card to start the season off but I think I’ve found a few winners.
Race 1 – #6 Live Lucky
The short price favourite and deservingly so. Start your Ascot season off with a winner. Draws sticky but looks the best 2 year old at this stage. Had some barrier issues and tends to jump out funny but has run very quick times with that in mind. Has led all the way in all trials, showing plenty of ability winning 3/3. Pike gets the steer and will hopefully get over from barrier 10 without doing much and run them into the ground. Track should be nice and firm and favour those on speed. Will look the winner for a long way so I’m happy to play her in the first. Confident in starting the day with a winner.
Race 4 #12 Pleasure Cruise
Looks a nice stepping stone for the Peters horse in this race. He’s won 2/2 to begin his career in nice enough fashion winning elegantly on his debut, and just scraping in last time out. He looks progressive enough to take another step in this race and with Pike opting to ride over the other Peters horse, it looks a good sign. He lands on speed and jumps well which is always a positive at Ascot and from barrier 8 he should be able to do so. From there, I think he’s good enough to get a cozy run and get into the clear at the right time with the right man in the saddle. Confident he’ll measure up to the grade and be hard to beat.
Race 6 #13 Cosmic Crusader (BEST)
Looks a very nice horse for Peters Investments. Won on debut before getting back to near last on the fence last time out and storming home into 6th clocking enormous sectionals. Draws a nicer gate this time and can hopefully land off the pace and be within launching distance on the turn. Up in distance from 1200-1600 but that looks like it’ll suit him to a tee. This race doesn’t look to be very competitive and I think this horse will go trough the grades nicely. Well placed and I don’t think there’s much that can beat him here. Pretty keen on his chances in this and looks like the bet of the afternoon.
Race 8 #11 Petula (Each Way)
Liking this filly at a decent quote in the feature race. I can’t really understand why she’s $7 but I’ll take it. She won a recent trial and looks a great chance. Draws nicely and the jockey trainer combo have a good striker rate. Has shown versatility both leading and sitting outside the leader and from the barrier you’d expect a similar showing. In both runs as a 2yo she’s shown the ability to absorb pressure and find another gear to kick away and extend her lead, always a good sign in a 2yo. Keen to see what she can do in this race at a decent price.
EVEREST TIP
#1 I Wish I Win
Best race day of the year with Group 1 racing in Sydney and Melbourne. In the Everest I’m with the best horse in the race. I think the whole barrier debacle has been blown out of proportion and I actually think that it might be ok. If he can land midfield and have time to get clear running room in the straight he’ll be mighty hard to hold out. Very keen on his chances.
That’s all from me for this week! Hopefully, I have snagged a few winners here and we can celebrate with some beers on Saturday night!
GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY. CHANCES ARE YOU ARE ABOUT TO LOSE. SET A DEPOSIT LIMIT.