It Pays To Follow

Posted on May 8, 2023 | Posted by Digby Beacham

MASAMUNE

Saturday, May 6 @ Ascot

Raw but clearly talented. It was hard not to arrive at that conclusion following the debut run of this colt behind the equally impressive Eliteone. The son of Universal Ruler hung approaching the turn and then cornered like a drunken sailor, leaving him in last spot upon straightening. Once Chris Parnham balanced him up and he got down to work, he attacked the line very well to finish fourth. With natural improvement, he is going to be ultra-competitive at his next outing.

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COSMOPOLITAN GIRL

Saturday, May 6 @ Ascot

Absolutely luckless. Well supported from a low draw over 1100m, the Ben and Dan Pearce-trained mare was denied clean air all the way up the straight. Forget she went around. Forget the fact she finished seventh of seven. Her previous efforts had been terrific and with no bad fortune at her next start, she’ll probably be terrific once more.

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PRAY AGAIN

Saturday, May 6 @ Ascot

Neville Parnham’s charge went to Ascot last weekend chasing his first win at the track from eight starts. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t win. But he was again solid despite wobbling around the corner and doing a little bit wrong in the straight. Beaten only half a length into third, the four-year-old is ready to win again now that Saturday racing is returning to Belmont, his preferred course.

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SAVANIK

Saturday, May 6 @ Ascot

What a difference a little bit of rain makes. Savanik had been a little basic at her first three runs this time in before going to 66+ grade on Saturday (she is eligible for easier). With Ascot being a soft 5, she surged over the concluding stages to run fifth behind Vast Art, beaten less than two lengths, to defy her starting price of $81. The five-year-old mare will be firmer in the market next start.