Races

The Ascot Feature Rankings

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

Group 3 WA Champion Fillies (1600m) – November 13

1. TREASURED STAR

She hasn’t set foot on track since last week, therefore hasn’t put a foot wrong. Faces her stiffest test to date next Tuesday in what promises to be a cracking edition of the Burgess Queen Stakes.

2. SEARCHIN’ ROC’S

Fired a serious shot across the bow of several rivals, notably Treasured Star, with her sizzling return in the Belgravia Stakes.

3. BUZZOOM

Hard to have anything but admiration for this filly. Never fails to run well and genuine as the day is long. Will be primed to run well next week and then springboard into the Champion Fillies.

4. CHAMPAGNE DAME

A new entry. Signalled she was well above average by stepping up from maiden company to take out a class 3 1400m event at Northam last week. Has a racing pattern that will be well suited in a Champion Fillies.

5. LIWA

Unplaced, but not disgraced in the Belgravia. Not convinced the 1600m is ideal, but her class will carry her a long way. Must be respected.

Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) – November 20

1. TREASURED STAR

It would be a shock if she doesn’t back up into the WA Guineas after running in the Champion Fillies given she didn’t contest the Belgravia Stakes. Just looks high class.

2. DEVOTED

The boys (that are going to the WA Guineas) look modest. This fellow hasn’t raced in stakes grade yet, but his placing behind Buzzoom and Hardly Ever at his most recent outing reads just fine. The mile suits.

3. SEARCHIN’ ROC’S

It would be a shock if she was to run here considering the condensed scheduled forced upon the fillies. Even more so considering she was first-up into the Belgravia off no trial. Is a flat-out winner.

4. ADVANCED

Remains in the conversation, despite not being nominated. Liked his win the other day and his form around Champagne Dame suggests he wouldn’t be out of place if a late entry is lodged.

5. HE’S GOLD

This might be a shock to some. The short-course races are out of reach for this fellow now. Screaming out for the 1400m of the Fairetha and the mile of the WA Guineas. Not the worst.

Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) – November 20

1. KISSONALLFORCHEEKS

Excited at the prospect of seeing this girl back at the races on Saturday in the Asian Beau. The form around her stacks up everywhere you look.

2. WESTERN EMPIRE

The reason behind his scratching in the Northerly Stakes was to ensure he didn’t burn too many points. He might start accumulating a fair few from here on in. Is the real deal and will be primed to run well in the Asian Beau.

3. TOO CLOSE THE SUN

Would have loved to have seen him trial better on Monday over 1200m at Belmont Park. But in Lindsey Smith, I trust. A proven WFA performer in a handicap.

4. KAPTAIN KAOS

If you are of the belief Kissonallforcheeks is a live Railway hope, this bloke has to be firmly in consideration. There were excuses when placed behind her two starts ago and he blitzed the field in the Northam Cup on Sunday. Progressive.

5. DANCE MUSIC

Gets relegated one spot, which in turn sees The Velvet King drop out (harsh as that seems) because of Kaptain Kaos’ injection. High-class mare in form who is a winner beyond the mile.

Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) – November 27

1. ELITE STREET

Not sure if last year’s Winterbottom winner works alongside his stablemate Wilchino. Would be interesting viewing if that was the case. Remains the benchmark sprinter in WA.

2. STAGEMAN

His return in the Crawford was very good. Not getting any younger, but hasn’t lost his zest for racing either.

3. INDIAN PACIFIC

Strong, on-speed sprinter with an ability to run good fractions. What’s not to like?

4. FLIRTINI

Has her day passed? I’d argue not. In fact, I’m happy to debate that with a kind barrier draw in the Winterbottom next month, she is most definitely a live hope.

5. GRACEFUL GIRL

Sticking with this mare ahead of other fresh horses on the scene in Triple Missile and Wilchino, but there’s not a great deal between them. Her return win was arrogant.

Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) – December 4 

1. TREASURED STAR

Boasts two wins from just three starts. Also boasts a motor that looks like it has more cylinders than most.

2. WESTERN EMPIRE

Is likely to hit this feature third-up and be at a distance range which should be right in his wheelhouse. Has to concede weight to the three-year-olds.

3. TOO CLOSE THE SUN

Fascinated to see how he returns in the Lee-Steere on Saturday week. Is a last-start WFA winner over 1300m. Respect.

4. KISSONALLFORCHEEKS

Will need to tick the Railway Stakes box to progress to the 1800m. Hard not to like her and respect the record she has built.

5. SEARCHIN’ ROC’S

Replaces Mrs America in the list after that filly failed over an unsuitable trip last week. An Awesome Rock filly out of a Trade Fair mare. The 1800m shouldn’t be an issue.

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