MCA Polytrack Handicap Tips (Race 2)
Ascot Best Bet - Race 2 No. 2 Pond Master
The son of Saxon Warrior is a dual-winner this season having followed up a Northam maiden win in October with a victory over 1650m at Belmont later that month.
The selection contested a Class 1 handicap at Belmont and while he found Listed and Group company too hot in two subsequent starts last prep he has been in good form this time around.
The three-year-old resumed with a good second-place finish when beaten just under a length in a 1200m event here last month.
The pick finished strongly when contesting an open handicap on that occasion and while unable to go one better next time delivered a respectable effort in finishing third upped to 1400m.
The gelding lost two lengths due to a slow start on that occasion and stayed on nicely to be beaten just over five lengths when racing on a good 4 surface.
Takahide Ikenushi’s youngster should have no issues returning to 1200m and he looks up to breaking through for his first win this prep.
Prestige Property Maintenance Handicap Tips (Race 4)
Ascot Value Bet - Race 4 No. 2 I’m Crafty
A Bunbury maiden winner over 1400m back in December the gelding went on to deliver a good second place finish over the same distance here ten days later.
The Starcraft gelding contested a Class 1 event on that occasion and he went on to deliver two good efforts in defeat subsequently last prep including when a close second at Pinjarra Scarpside.
The four-year-old was spelled following that narrow defeat which came in a Class 3 contest on his first attempt at this distance.
The pick failed to make an impact when beating just one rival home in finishing four lengths eleventh over 1400m at Pinjarra on his return to action last month.
Brad Seinor’s galloper had to concede weight all round that day and he showed marked improvement when saluting over 1500m on his return to this venue two weeks ago.
The good 4 track expected here is in his favour and racing over 1600m for just the second time he looks value to salute under Jason Whiting.
Peters Investments Handicap Tips (Race 7)
Ascot Next Best Bet - Race 7 No. 4 Ahyeahrighto
Brad Graham’s representative recorded a course and distance win when contesting a Class 3 event on good going in October last year.
The gelding was spelled following a third when jumping from a wide barrier over the same distance here the following month.
While the son of Harry Angel has been unable to salute in three outings this prep he has finished close up on each occasion including when narrowly beaten into second over 1000m here first up.
The four-year-old’s most recent effort saw him place second when racing over this track and trip on a good 4 surface two weeks ago.
Jockey Brad Parnham reported that he was concerned with the gelding’s action post-race on that occasion with his mount having jumped as favourite for that event.
The selection received no luck when finishing fourth in this grade here on his penultimate start and jumping from barrier three he looks up to registering the fourth win of his career.
Quayclean – WA Sires Produce Stakes Tips (Race 8)
Ascot Feature Bet - Race 8 No. 5 Snitzalatte
The only dual-winner in the field the youngster recorded a win in her sole barrier trial prior to making her debut at this venue in March.
The pick came home over a length clear of her five rivals when jumping at $1.70 for a 1000m maiden held on a good 4 track on that occasion.
The daughter of Snitzel went on to complete a double when stepped up to 1200m for an open plate contest when again racing on a good 4 surface here early last month.
Adam Durrant’s filly jumped from next to the rail on each occasion and while she lost her unbeaten record in the Group 2 Karrakatta Plate next time she delivered a strong effort from barrier eleven.
The youngster was beaten just under one-and-a-half-lengths when racing from mid-division in a sixteen-runner contest that day and she should have no issues with the step up to 1400m.
William Pike’s mount boasts an inside alley for this contest and she looks up to recording her third win in four career starts.