13:50 Fri 12 May 2023

PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO HANDICAP (2)

Distance 7f

Prize £23,193 Rated (0-105) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 6

Going Soft (Heavy in places Round course)

Based on the total ratings provided, here’s the ranking and assessment of the top contenders for the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Handicap at Ascot, listed in totals order:

1. Racingbreaks Ryder (IRE) – Total Rating: 433.3
   Racingbreaks Ryder holds the highest total rating among the contenders. Despite pulling hard for much of his race at Haydock over 1m, he still managed to win and has shown progressive form. With two wins on soft ground and his running style suggesting suitability for 7f, Racingbreaks Ryder is considered a player in this race.
2. Scholarship (IRE) – Total Rating: 408.8
   Scholarship displayed promise on his debut over 6f on good to soft ground. Although he failed to build on that at Royal Ascot, he was gelded before his reappearance this season and won with ease at Newbury over 7f on soft ground. As a big individual open to further improvement and reportedly loving soft ground, Scholarship is a strong contender.
3. In These Shoes (IRE) – Total Rating: 362.7
   In These Shoes showed promise initially but experienced a dip in form last season. However, she bounced back with a comfortable victory over Beverley’s extended 7f on good to soft ground. With a manageable 5lb rise and previous success on soft ground, In These Shoes cannot be overlooked.

Additional Considerations:
Dark Trooper (IRE): While not listed in the top contenders based on total ratings, Dark Trooper has shown progress in handicaps on the All-Weather. However, he appeared to give his running when third of four at Wolverhampton in February after a 6lb rise. With doubts about his performance on soft ground and a challenging mark to deal with, Dark Trooper may face a tough task.

Tawafag: Tawafag has been prominent in the market for all three runs and secured a maiden victory on the All-Weather over 7f. However, when upped to 1m at Lingfield, he couldn’t concede weight to a Sir Michael Stoute-trained winner. While he doesn’t appear obviously well handicapped based on his achievements to date, Tawafag is open to improvement under the guidance of his top yard.

Oj Lifestyle: Oj Lifestyle’s form includes a second-place finish at Chelmsford, closer to the form he showed when winning as a 125-1 shot at Newbury over 7f on fast ground. However, as a handicap debutant with unknown conditions, he faces a tough challenge and may not have the advantage in this race.

14:25 Fri 12 May 2023

PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO APPRENTICE HANDICAP (3)

Distance 1m 7f 209y

Prize £10,800 Rated (0-90) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 9

Going Soft (Heavy in places Round course)

Based on the total ratings provided, here’s the ranking and assessment of the top contenders for the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Apprentice Handicap at Ascot, listed in totals order:

1. Coquelicot (FR) – Total Rating: 417.7
   Coquelicot holds the highest total rating among the contenders. She recently achieved a hurdles win over 2m4f on soft ground at Sandown, displaying good form. In her Flat handicap debut, she secured a 4l win at Nottingham over 2m on soft ground. Although beaten in her subsequent race at Pontefract, she remains a huge player if the quick runs haven’t taken a toll on her. With an additional 4lb rise, Coquelicot is a strong contender.
2. Ehteyat (GER) – Total Rating: 329.4
   Ehteyat has two wins in 1m6f handicaps at Southwell and a narrow defeat over 2m at Lingfield. After a disappointing performance in a warm race at Easter, he returns to turf with cheekpieces enlisted. As a potential stayer, Ehteyat cannot be entirely dismissed and may have more to offer.
3. Blazeon Five – Total Rating: 315.6
   Blazeon Five has shown good form over 2m+ on the All-Weather since September. However, her turf mark has risen accordingly, and she is untested on ground softer than good. While she cannot be ruled out completely, the unknowns make her a less certain contender.

Additional Considerations:
Beny Nahar Road (IRE): Although not listed in the top contenders based on total ratings, Beny Nahar Road has shown promise with close second-place finishes on three of his starts. While he ran poorly over 1m5f on soft ground at Newbury, he has undergone gelding and wind operations and is unexposed in staying trips. Beny Nahar Road’s pedigree suggests he may handle the distance, making him an interesting contender.

Cogital: Cogital finished third in this race last year and put in a creditable performance when second at Doncaster over 2m on soft ground two weeks ago. Considered as an each-way option, Cogital has shown some consistency and may deliver a solid performance.

15:00 Fri 12 May 2023

BRITISH EBF 40th ANNIVERSARY RESTRICTED MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES (Qualifier) (4)

Distance 5f

Prize £8,100 Age 2yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 8

Going Soft (Heavy in places Round course

Analysis and Assessment of the Top Contenders:

1. Dawn Charger (IRE) – With a total rating of 364.1, Dawn Charger is the top contender in this race. Despite finishing second on her debut at Pontefract over 5f on good ground, she showed promise and demonstrated the potential for further improvement. Considering the wider trip she endured compared to the winner, Dawn Charger’s debut effort was commendable. She sets the standard for this race and should be a strong contender.
2. Happy Tears (IRE) – Ranked second with a total rating of 280.5, Happy Tears had a slightly underwhelming debut at Bath on good to soft ground, where she finished fourth. However, considering her greenness and the fact that her sister She Can Boogie improved with racing, Happy Tears could easily show improvement in this race. She has the potential to leave her debut performance behind and cannot be overlooked.
3. Majestic Beauty – With a total rating of 105.5, Majestic Beauty ranks third among the contenders. She was purchased for £90,000 as a 2-year-old and is the eighth foal in her lineage. Trained by a successful owner who won this race with a well-touted newcomer last year, Majestic Beauty has the pedigree and backing to be a competitive runner. While her debut performance is unknown, she should be respected as a potential contender.
4. Je Ne Sais Quoi (IRE) – Je Ne Sais Quoi holds a total rating of 95.0, placing her fourth in the rankings. With a notable pedigree, being a half-sister to winners Bellagio Man and Ridicule, she is interesting to watch, particularly considering her yard’s success with 2-year-olds. The market’s assessment of her debut performance will provide valuable insight into her chances in this race.

Additional Considerations:
Crooked Crown, Shirlaski, Thanksbutnothanks, and Willowbank are also in the race but have not been ranked among the top contenders based on their total ratings. However, it is worth noting that Shirlaski’s stable has made a fine start with 2-year-olds this season, and Thanksbutnothanks’ owner/trainer combination has been performing well with 2-year-olds. These factors suggest they could have potential, although further evidence and market support would be helpful in assessing their chances.

15:35 Fri 12 May 2023

DUAL MAIDEN FILLIES’ STAKES (4)

Distance 1m 1f 212y

Prize £8,100 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 5

Going Soft (Heavy in places Round course)

Here’s the analysis and assessment for the given horse race:

12th May 2023
3.35 Ascot (5 runners)
Dual Maiden Fillies Stakes (GBB Race)
1m2f (2192 yards)
Class 4, Soft, 3yo, Win: £8100
Avg OR: 15, Median OR: 0
Right Handed, Stall Positioning: Inside

Analysis and Assessment of the Top Contenders:

1. Rocha Do Leao (IRE) – With a total rating of 311.6, Rocha Do Leao is the top contender in this race. Despite fading into fifth in a competitive 1m Newmarket maiden, her debut effort showed promise, and she is bred to handle the distance of 1m2f and potentially more. Given her pedigree and the potential for improvement, she deserves respect in this field.
2. So Farhh So Good (IRE) – Ranked second with a total rating of 306.1, So Farhh So Good made a promising debut over 1m on the Lingfield AW, finishing fourth in a race dominated by well-bred fillies. While it remains to be seen how she handles the different conditions on turf, her debut performance indicates promise and suggests she could be competitive in this race.
3. Sea Me Dance – With a total rating of 287.3, Sea Me Dance has shown consistency in her three runs over 1m on the AW. Although she hasn’t shown improvement in her recent start at Southwell, her previous efforts against quality fillies indicate that she can be a strong competitor in this company. She should not be overlooked in this race.

Additional Considerations:

Shagpyle, a half-sister to the stable’s renowned horse Pyledriver, presents an interesting case. While she does not have a total rating due to limited information, the market’s assessment of her debut performance will provide valuable insight into her chances. With her positive pedigree, she could surprise in this race.

16:10 Fri 12 May 2023

PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO “LIVE EVERY MOMENT” HANDICAP (3)

Distance 6f

Prize £10,800 Rated (0-95) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 10

Going Soft (Heavy in places Round course)

Analysis and Assessment of the Top Contenders:

1. Orazio (IRE) – With a total rating of 471.7, Orazio is the top-ranked contender in this race. He showed promise as a 2-year-old and has shown improvement after a setback, winning his belated comeback run at Newmarket over 6f on good to soft ground. He remains unexposed and with just a 4lb higher mark, he is a strong contender in this race.
2. Sterling Knight – Ranked second with a total rating of 387.2, Sterling Knight demonstrated good form last season with two consecutive wins over 6f on good to soft and heavy ground. Although he didn’t bring up a hat-trick in his latest start at Doncaster on soft ground, the reappearance of cheekpieces could be a positive factor. He should not be overlooked.
3. Chairmanoftheboard (IRE) – With a total rating of 376.9, Chairmanoftheboard has experience and knows what these 6f handicaps are all about. He has been in form, finishing closely behind Orazio at Newmarket and producing a similar performance in his recent outing, wearing cheekpieces for the first time. With his ability to handle the ground, he holds a solid chance.
4. Popmaster (IRE) – Ranked fourth with a total rating of 346.8, Popmaster has had several good runs in defeat since his last successful outing. While he hasn’t shown the same form this season, he is becoming well handicapped. However, the soft ground is a concern and could affect his performance.

Additional Considerations:

Sir Thomas Gresham, despite not being in the top four rankings, is worth considering. As a dual winner on soft ground and with continuous improvement this season, he did well to finish fourth at Newbury after a challenging start. With his limited starts and competitive performances, he should be shortlisted for consideration.

16:45 Fri 12 May 2023

JUST AROUND THE CORNER ASCOT HANDICAP (4)

Distance 6f

Prize £8,191 Rated (0-82) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 6

Going Soft (Heavy in places Round course)

Analysis and Assessment of the Top Contenders:

1. Priors Dell – With a total rating of 393.4, Priors Dell is the top-ranked contender in this race. He has shown promise with back-to-back novice wins last season on good ground. Although he didn’t settle in his first handicap over 7f, he performed well when dropped back to 6f at Nottingham. Having been gelded during the winter, he could show further progress, but may prefer quicker ground.
2. Nogos Dream – Ranked second with a total rating of 375.5, Nogos Dream demonstrated potential with a maiden victory over 5f at Wolverhampton. While he didn’t stay the 7f distance on his handicap debut at Newmarket, returning to 6f off the same mark could be beneficial. However, his lack of experience on soft ground adds some uncertainty.
3. Fox Master – With a total rating of 345.2, Fox Master won narrowly at Newcastle over 6f on the All-Weather surface. Although he finished fifth there under a penalty, he has the backing of top connections. Withdrawals from two previous soft-ground engagements raise concerns, but he could have better days ahead.

Additional Considerations:

Love Affairs, despite not being in the top three rankings, is worth considering due to her previous progress in soft-ground nurseries. Although her recent performances have been below her best, her ability to handle the soft ground could work to her advantage.

17:20 Fri 12 May 2023

PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO “SERVE WITH STYLE” HANDICAP (4)

Distance 1m (Str)

Prize £8,191 Rated (0-85) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 8

Going Soft (Heavy in places Round course)

Analysis and Assessment of the Top Contenders:

1. Docklands – With a total rating of 397.2, Docklands is the top-ranked contender in this race. He showed promise at Haydock last season and has progressed well on the All-Weather, winning at Kempton last time out. This initial handicap mark could be lenient, and his sire’s success on soft ground adds to his credentials.
2. Signcastle City (IRE) – Ranked second with a total rating of 316.9, Signcastle City progressed nicely on fast ground last season. Although he finished well held in a 7f nursery here on good to soft ground, his performance on his Haydock return was affected by race dynamics. However, there are doubts about the ground suitability for him.
3. Prince of Zenda – With a total rating of 309.1, Prince of Zenda displayed promise in three All-Weather starts last season. He traded short in running at Kempton and now benefits from being gelded and wearing headgear. The booking of William Buick suggests serious intentions for his first run of the season.

Additional Considerations:

Land Of Summer is worth considering despite not being in the top three rankings. She has shown promise and has run well on soft ground. However, she needs to bounce back from a disappointing run at Newmarket.

Stage Show also warrants attention as he finished encouragingly in his recent starts. Although he hasn’t won yet, he could be competitive off this mark in handicaps.