Preview of Ascot’s Race Meeting on Friday afternoon.

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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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