1. 13:50 ASCOT – BRITISH EBF FILLIES’ NOVICE STAKES (Class 3, 2yo Fillies, 6f, Turf)
Race Conditions: Good (Good to Firm in places), 7 Runners, Pace Forecast: Very Weak, Draw Bias: N/A. A notably weak pace is forecast, potentially leading to a messy tactical affair.
Runner Comments:
• ENAMORUS (IRE):
◦ Form & Class: Proven and progressive, ran a strong third at Newmarket in an above-average maiden. Clocked a Tfig of 76 with excellent finishing efficiency.
◦ Pace: Not a habitual leader but among the most forward-going types on debut.
◦ Fitness: Likely to improve sharply second time out for that experience.
◦ Pedigree: By Mehmas out of a Galileo mare, suggesting both precocity and stamina.
◦ Suitability: Will relish today’s similar conditions.
• PACIFIC MISSION:
◦ Form & Class: Promising debutante.
◦ Pace & Draw: Well-drawn to dictate in a weakly run race.
◦ Trainer/Jockey: Trainer Andrew Balding won this race in 2022, and jockey William Buick boasts a 40% strike rate on favourites.
◦ Pedigree: Sired by Lope de Vega out of a fast family, pedigree suggests 6f is ideal for debut.
◦ Market: Market support would be significant.
• RAVISHING (IRE):
◦ Form & Class: Promising debutante.
◦ Pace: Sectional profile suggests natural pace, which fits this race shape well. Among the most forward-going types on debut.
◦ Trainer/Jockey: By No Nay Never, whose progeny often win on debut. Yard in good form and Silvestre De Sousa is a positive booking.
◦ Pedigree: Second foal of a dam from a stout Ballydoyle family.
• PRINCESS PETROL:
◦ Form & Class: Promising, had a considerate introduction at Newbury, staying on well from rear. The form of that race is fair.
◦ Pace: Hold-up runner facing positional challenges unless pace emerges.
◦ Suitability: Shaped like one needing 7f+, so this stiff 6f might help. Slight concern she may get caught out if pace is muddling again.
◦ Fitness: Open to improvement on only her second career start.
• LOVE ALIVE:
◦ Form: Run best excused when well held on debut at Ffos Las, as she was hampered over 2f out.
◦ Pace & Draw: Wide draw and drop back to 6f are a concern.
◦ Fitness: Entitled to do better.
• MAYFAIR MARKET:
◦ Pedigree: Nice pedigree.
◦ Trainer: From a quiet yard.
◦ Suitability: Nothing in her profile screams today.
• SHINING GUEST (IRE):
◦ Form: Poor debut, and finishing efficiency (FS%) indicates she laboured badly.
◦ Suitability: Difficult to recommend.
Private Tissue Odds:
• Enamorus – 9/4
• Pacific Mission – 3/1
• Ravishing – 4/1
• Princess Petrol – 13/2
• Love Alive – 10/1
• Mayfair Market – 25/1
• Shining Guest – 33/1
ChatGPT Smart Plays:
• Win Bet: ENAMORUS – She is proven with upside, boasts strong finishing figures, and her race experience is key.
• Saver Bet: PACIFIC MISSION – With William Buick aboard a debutante, she holds a tactical edge in what is forecast to be a weakly run race.
2. 14:25 ASCOT – FLEXJET PAT EDDERY STAKES (Listed Race, 2yo Colts & Geldings, 7f, Turf)
Race Conditions: Good (Good to Firm in places), 7 Runners, Pace Forecast: Even, Draw Bias: N/A. Ascot’s 7f track historically favours strong finishers.
Runner Comments:
• A BIT OF SPIRIT (IRE):
◦ Form & Class: Proven and progressive, landing two novice wins authoritatively, with strong visual impressions and Tfigs (103 and 83).
◦ Pace & Suitability: Sectional efficiency over 7f signals more to offer. Race shape and Ascot’s finish look ideal, suiting his optimal hold-up style for the course bias.
• RECIPROCATED:
◦ Form & Class: Proven and progressive, unbeaten in two starts, winning with authority and rising timefigs. Carlisle win (106.4 Tfig) backed by sustained closing fractions, showing he can settle and finish.
◦ Pace & Suitability: Course profile suits his style. Optimal hold-up style for course bias.
◦ Ground: Dominant in both starts despite soft and good-to-soft going; quicker conditions pose a slight question.
• TIME TO TURN:
◦ Form: Promising, an easy winner at Wolverhampton (AW) over 7f. Visually impressive, though his Tfig dipped (95) on synthetics.
◦ Pace: Narrowly touched off by A Bit of Spirit on turf previously. Likely to be ridden prominently and may be vulnerable late if asked to force the pace again.
• SIRIUS A (IRE):
◦ Form: Promising, took a Leicester maiden before a respectable second in Listed company in France.
◦ Fitness/Development: Despite looking green, he stayed on well, suggesting he’ll improve with experience. FS% shows he’s still learning how to race.
◦ Class: Slightly held on raw figures, but not by much.
• ITALICA:
◦ Form: Proven but appears to be flat lining. Likeable type who’s done little wrong, but her latest Salisbury win was a hard-fought affair in a modestly run race.
◦ Class: May find a few classier here, though not dismissed for a place.
• TRICKY TEL:
◦ Form: Proven, two wins at Chester suggest ability.
◦ Pace & Suitability: Came on speed-favouring tracks. Ascot’s layout and pace bias may find him out if he’s ridden forward again.
• CAPE ASHIZURI (IRE):
◦ Form: Promising, impressive Ayr maiden winner.
◦ Pedigree: From a very strong 2yo family (related to The Wow Signal and Matrika).
◦ Class: TFR of 91+ is modest in this field, but he’s likely to improve.
Private Tissue Odds:
• A Bit of Spirit – 2/1
• Reciprocated – 11/4
• Time To Turn – 4/1
• Sirius A – 7/1
• Tricky Tel – 9/1
• Cape Ashizuri – 12/1
• Italica – 14/1
ChatGPT Smart Plays:
• Win Bet: A BIT OF SPIRIT – He is proven, tactically versatile, and improving, with Ascot’s layout playing into his closing style.
• Saver Bet: RECIPROCATED – He is two from two and bred for higher grades, making him a key threat if he handles quicker conditions.
3. 15:00 ASCOT – JOHN GUEST RACING BROWN JACK HANDICAP (Class 3, 3yo+, 1m 7f 209y, Turf)
Race Conditions: Good (Good to Firm in places), 7 Runners, Pace Forecast: Very Weak, Draw Bias: N/A. The lack of natural pace means a high risk of a slowly-run race, which could place a premium on tactical speed and track position. Course history shows hold-up runners are often favoured at this trip, but that bias may not apply here unless a stronger gallop materialises.
Runner Comments:
• BLINDEDBYTHELIGHTS (GER):
◦ Form & Class: Proven and consistent, lightly raced for his age and arrives in excellent form, placing on all three 2025 starts. Solid and repeatable TFRs.
◦ Pace: Tactically versatile. Will relish a stamina test but could be caught flat-footed if this turns tactical.
◦ Trainer: Trainer Sir Mark Prescott Bt has a 27% strike rate with horses running over 10f+.
◦ Suitability: Stays well, acts on all surfaces.
• CONTACTO:
◦ Form & Class: Proven and reliable, form line with Savrola shows strength, ran on well and suited by staying trips.
◦ Pace: Tendency to break slowly, which could be costly given today’s likely crawl early. Needs emphasis more on stamina.
◦ Suitability: Ascot track layout and uphill finish play to his strengths.
◦ Trainer: Trainer Andrew Balding has 2 winners in the past 10 runnings of this race.
• MANY MEN:
◦ Form & Class: Promising and progressive, the sole 3yo in the field and already rated 85, suggesting he’s well-treated against older rivals.
◦ Pace: Races prominently and has been shaping like a strong stayer. Expected to boss the pace.
◦ Suitability: Beaten at Haydock last time but may have bounced off a strong effort at Doncaster prior. First time at 2m and it could unlock further improvement.
• CAPRELO:
◦ Form: Improving, ran well in a huge-field Newcastle handicap and was an eyecatcher from rear. Prior win at Kempton confirmed staying credentials.
◦ Class: Has upside and sneaks in off a lenient mark.
• FIREBLADE:
◦ Form: Exposed but game, consistent without being spectacular.
◦ Pace: Tends to trade short and not see it out; tactical pace often catches him out. Likely to take up a prominent position.
◦ Pedigree: Frankel pedigree suggests he should stay.
• TAILORMAN (FR):
◦ Form: Quirky but capable, excused last effort (saddle slipped). Chester win prior was solid.
◦ Jockey: Looks held on bare figures but William Buick’s booking suggests ambition.
◦ Suitability: Acts on polytrack, soft, and good to firm going.
◦ Trainer: Trainer Ian Williams has 2 winners in the past 10 runnings of this race.
• BLAZEON FIVE:
◦ Form: Past winner but regressive. Won this race in 2023 but hasn’t repeated that level since.
◦ Fitness: Now 7 and coming off a break via hurdling.
◦ Suitability: Tends to find a few too good on the flat these days.
Private Tissue Odds:
• Blindedbythelights – 11/4
• Many Men – 10/3
• Contacto – 4/1
• Caprelo – 6/1
• Fireblade – 7/1
• Tailorman – 10/1
• Blazeon Five – 14/1
ChatGPT Smart Plays:
• Win Bet: MANY MEN – An unexposed, well-weighted 3yo who is likely to control the tempo in this pace-deficient race.
• Each-Way Saver: CAPRELO – He was an eye-catching closer last time, is an improving type, and will be suited by a late collapse if the early pace is slow.
4. 15:35 ASCOT – ROYAL ASCOT WINNING BREEDERS’ HANDICAP (Class 2, 3yo+, 1m 3f 211y, Turf)
Race Conditions: Good (Good to Firm in places), 6 Runners, Pace Forecast: Uncontested, Draw Bias: N/A. This could be run at a crawl, with Ludo’s Landing being the only confirmed pace angle and likely to control the tempo uncontested, which could severely compromise closers’ chances.
Runner Comments:
• PINHOLE:
◦ Form & Class: Promising and unexposed Frankel colt. His prior fourth in a Chester Group 3 (behind subsequent English/Irish Derby hero Lambourn) reads extremely well.
◦ Fitness/Development: Lightly raced, thrown into deep waters in the Queen’s Vase last time. Has been gelded and may progress now handicapping.
◦ Pace: His class and stamina will be tested against front-running tactics. Tactical effectiveness in this small, steady-run field is a question.
◦ Trainer: Ralph Beckett has a 17% strike rate with handicap debutants.
◦ Suitability: Should stay 1½m.
• ASSAIL (IRE):
◦ Form & Class: Proven and reliable, dual winner last year, including over C&D. Ran well after a break recently, suggesting he’s retained ability.
◦ Pace: Needs things to fall right tactically. Better with a strong pace. Usually races off pace.
◦ Suitability: Track and trip are in his favour. Hard to knock his consistency.
• LUDO’S LANDING (IRE):
◦ Form: Potentially well-ridden. Below form last time on soft ground but had previously won at Thirsk.
◦ Pace: Gets a solo lead here, which is significant in a field lacking early pace. Could easily steal this from the front if allowed soft fractions. Usually races prominently.
◦ Fitness: Needs to bounce back, but the race shape offers the perfect excuse.
• DREAM HARDER (IRE):
◦ Form: Proven but not progressive. Well-exposed 6yo who’s consistent on the clock but vulnerable to improvers.
◦ Jockey: Has top jockey William Buick booked.
◦ Suitability: Acts well at this trip. Seems to be running to a plateau of late.
• ARQOOB (IRE):
◦ Form: Exposed, fair standard. Capable of placing efforts in Class 2 company but hasn’t threatened for wins recently.
◦ Class: Reliable but not obviously well handicapped. Has had a breathing operation.
• KING’S CODE:
◦ Form: Regressive. Won well earlier this season but now looks in decline and the Windsor run showed little spark.
◦ Draw: Might get an easy passage from the inside draw.
◦ Trainer: Trainer David Evans has a notable profit to a £1 level stake when having one runner at a flat meeting.
◦ Suitability: Others preferred.
Private Tissue Odds:
• Pinhole – 2/1
• Assail – 10/3
• Ludo’s Landing – 4/1
• Dream Harder – 11/2
• Arqoob – 8/1
• King’s Code – 16/1
ChatGPT Smart Plays:
• Win Bet: PINHOLE – He is unexposed and potentially well treated now handicapping.
• Saver Bet: LUDO’S LANDING – As a dangerous lone front-runner, he may not be caught if allowed to dictate soft fractions.
5. 16:10 ASCOT – CHAPEL DOWN HANDICAP (Class 4, 3yo+, 7f, Turf)
Race Conditions: Good (Good to Firm in places), 13 Runners, Pace Forecast: Even, Draw Bias: Against Low. Expect a moderate tempo. The ideal race shape for Ascot’s 7f straight track is a strong 3-4f move into a tight finish.
Runner Comments:
• WAR HOWL (IRE):
◦ Form & Class: Proven and progressive. Showed clear improvement to win a well-run Doncaster handicap last time, travelling best and winning with authority.
◦ Fitness/Development: Still lightly raced for this yard.
◦ Suitability: Track, trip, and pace profile are all ideal.
◦ Jockey Flag: James Doyle has a 36% strike rate when riding favourites in this class.
• STRATOCRACY (IRE):
◦ Form & Class: Proven and progressive, a thriving type for Kevin Frost, winning comfortably at Newbury with a smart late burst from mid-pack. Solid on the clock.
◦ Pace & Draw: Races prominently without over-committing, suited by today’s even gallop and wider draw. Often races close up.
◦ Suitability: Consistent and well-handicapped. Market support expected.
• ARANTES NASCIMENTO:
◦ Form & Class: Proven and consistent, a model of consistency, hitting the frame in five of last six.
◦ Trainer: Makes debut for new yard (Michael Attwater), with Tom Marquand booked, suggesting this could be “go day”.
◦ Pace: Races strategically mid-division with a turn of foot.
◦ Suitability: Suited by the shape of the race.
• MR UBIQUITOUS:
◦ Form: Progressive but carries a tactical risk. Won three in a row earlier in summer but shaped flat at Newmarket last time under a quick turnaround.
◦ Pace & Draw: His racing style needs a strong pace. From stall 13 and with pace inside, he risks being posted wide or rushed early. Usually races prominently.
• DANNICK:
◦ Form: Promising 3yo, consistent efforts in good company. Third here last time in a steadily run race; sectionals suggest more under the bonnet.
◦ Draw & Class: Well-drawn, improving, and gets weight from older horses. Reliable.
• HIERONYMUS:
◦ Form: Class drop, below form on AW recently but turf form in 0–85 company earlier this season reads well.
◦ Fitness/Development: Down to 75 and interesting if connections are targeting a bounce-back from a wide draw.
◦ Trainer Flag: George Baker has a notable profit when having one runner at a flat meeting.
◦ Suitability: Dark horse on old form, watching brief. Usually races close up.
• THURSO: Two recent wins, in great heart, but now faces a tougher field. Held up style.
• MISTER MOJITO (IRE): Below best last time, needs rebound.
• GUNFIGHTER (IRE): Competitive mark but inconsistent.
• TADREEB (IRE): Regressing slightly, needs a soft lead. Usually slow away/races off pace.
• WOODSTOCK: Stronger fields tend to find him out.
• BILLY MILL: Below form last few starts, now opposable.
• LAND OF MAGIC: Needs a drop in class.
Private Tissue Odds:
• War Howl – 3/1
• Stratocracy – 4/1
• Arantes Nascimento – 6/1
• Mr Ubiquitous – 7/1
• Dannick – 9/1
• Thurso – 9/1
• Others 12/1+
ChatGPT Smart Plays:
• Win Bet: WAR HOWL – Boasts an improving profile and an ideal setup for this race.
• Each-Way Saver: ARANTES NASCIMENTO – Shows strong form, consistency, and is suited by the shape of the race.
6. 16:45 ASCOT – ASCOT SHOP FILLIES’ HANDICAP (Class 4, 3yo+, 5f, Turf)
Race Conditions: Good (Good to Firm in places), 9 Runners (Cinque Verde is a Non-Runner), Pace Forecast: Even, Draw Bias: N/A. This is a sprint over 5f on the straight course. Prominent racers are normally favoured at this venue and trip. The absence of Cinque Verde removes a key pace angle but leaves Miss Show Off, Sugar Hill Babe, and Galaxy Zoo with early speed.
Runner Comments:
• FANTASY OBSESSOR:
◦ Form & Class: Promising and unexposed, 2-2 after minor wins on the AW, showing good cruising speed and a strong finish despite greenness. Opening mark of 79 could underrate her.
◦ Pedigree: Well-bred, by Mayson, and bred to be sharp; pedigree and racing style suggest 5f is no issue.
◦ Suitability: Big player from a good draw.
• EMERALDS PRIDE:
◦ Form & Class: Proven and consistent, justified market support last time when winning at Beverley in cheekpieces (TFR 92).
◦ Trainer: Trainer Michael Dods has an excellent record in this race and is profitable at Ascot with single runners.
◦ Suitability: Likely to be suited by a straight 5f and retains a solid mark. Has tactical speed.
• MISS SHOW OFF:
◦ Form: Proven but has a patchy profile. Won well two starts ago but was below form at Haydock (perhaps unsuited by course). Salisbury win (TFR 92) stands out.
◦ Pace: Her run style means she needs things to fall right. 5f at Ascot suits hold-up closers only in strongly run races, which this may not be. Has early speed.
• SUGAR HILL BABE (IRE):
◦ Form: Proven and rebounding, solid all season at 5f. Her third at Haydock last time came after a poor start, fair to upgrade that.
◦ Pace: Likely to race prominently. Up 5lb for a May win but still competitive and tactically well-positioned. Usually leads. Has early speed.
• GALAXY ZOO:
◦ Form: Progressive but carries a tactical risk. Has improved since moving to Ralph Beckett.
◦ Pace: Often starts slowly, which can be costly over 5f here. Usually races off pace, often starts slowly. Has early speed.
◦ Suitability: Wins have come on AW; turf mark possibly workable but vulnerable if she misses it again.
• LIL GUFF:
◦ Form: Consistent and exposed, a solid, reliable mare who handles varying ground and has run well here before. Just touched off by Miss Show Off at Salisbury and might turn the tables with a better trip.
◦ Suitability: Honest and versatile.
• RANEENN (IRE):
◦ Form: Unpredictable, had a promising win at Doncaster, then two poor efforts (especially wandering at Newmarket).
◦ Trainer: The William Haggas yard remains hot.
◦ Suitability: Back to 5f with a straight track may suit.
◦ Market: Only consider if the market speaks positively.
• XANTHE (IRE): Regressive profile, opposable. Best form at 5f.
• BLUE ZODIAC (IRE): Weak recent turf form. Best at 5f.
• CINQUE VERDE: Non-runner.
Private Tissue Odds:
• Fantasy Obsessor – 3/1
• Emeralds Pride – 4/1
• Sugar Hill Babe – 6/1
• Lil Guff – 6/1
• Miss Show Off – 8/1
• Galaxy Zoo – 10/1
• Raneenn – 12/1
• Others – 16/1+
ChatGPT Smart Plays:
• Win Bet: FANTASY OBSESSOR – She looks leniently treated and well drawn, with an ideal setup to maintain her unbeaten run.
• Each-Way Saver: EMERALDS PRIDE – A reliable type with tactical speed, and the track and pace are ideal for her.
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