Races

Scott Embry’s Wednesday Ascot Preview

RACE 1

CAFÉ NERA has always shown glimpses of staying ability in the past. Did run sixth in last season’s Natasha Stakes beaten 5L by Solaia, Pure Devotion, Reliable Star, Lunar Impact and Brave Angel. Was sound first-up at 1300m and then found a bit of traffic at crucial stages second-up. Looks suited stepping out to 1800m but will need a peach from the barrier. ROMMEL’S WAR was disappointing last start when only battling to the line. Previous runs were all solid and she’s lightly raced compared to the majority of these. HOIST THE COLOURS looks like he is searching for ground now. ART WARRIOR didn’t show up last start. Previous effort wasn’t too bad.

Numbers: 12 – 15 – 4 – 5

Suggested Bet – CAFÉ NERA EACHWAY


RACE 2

PONYO is stretched at 1200m but she won’t get a better chance to run out the trip. Rail out 11m, 37 degree day and an Easterly breeze blowing at her back. Finished fourth in the Placid Ark behind the Lee Steere Classic quinella Liwa and Flying Missile. It’s straight to the front and catch me if you can for her. Sure to be popular with map/conditions punters. PROBITY looks like enjoying a gun run leader’s back following Ponyo into the race. First-up last campaign won in this grade with 59.5kg beating highly talented Black Type filly Buzzoom. Recent trial was strong when attacking the line and the use of Holly Watson’s claim looks astute. THE VELVET QUEEN is unlikely to get conditions to suit her race pattern but she’s a very talented filly in the making. SEDUCE ME produced a huge turn of foot to score last start.

Numbers: 1 – 2 – 9 – 8

Suggested Bet – PONYO EACHWAY


RACE 3

TREVERN looks like he’ll continue his winning ways here. Won a 1100m maiden first-up, won a C1 second-up, was beaten in the shadows of the post on Melbourne Cup Day by emerging talent Mercanto (beating home subsequent plunge winner Safety Bay) and then bounced back to the winner’s circle last start with a dominant all the way win at Belmont. Doesn’t corner that well at Ascot but expecting him to be ridden for speed in an attempt to run them into the ground. Gets conditions to suit. SEMIGEL was some sort of run last start. Knuckled at the 150m and managed to pick himself up and come again on the line. MANTELLI showed last start he’ll be winning a few in WA. Tricky barrier to contend with. LLESSUR is drawn awkwardly and likely concedes them a fair head start.

Numbers: 1 – 5 – 2 – 6

Suggested Bet – TREVERN WIN


RACE 4

COLD SHIZZLE is capable of holding a position in running from a nice draw. Going off the trials, first-up win and post-race comments of trainer Darren McAuliffe there’s an intention of riding him on the colder side this preparation to allow him to find his feet. Looks to be genuine speed in this race and provided he doesn’t get shuffled too far back on a day where most will anticipate it being hard to make ground, he should have the fire power to make his presence felt late. TREVELLO likely lands a pair in front of him and was ultra consistent last campaign. BLAZING AWAY is produced first-up no trial and needs to show the same form on a dry track that he produced on wet surfaces last campaign. STAR PRESENT showed huge potential in Kalgoorlie last campaign. Barrier isn’t easy.

Numbers: 8 – 1 – 2 – 10

Suggested Bet – COLD SHIZZLE WIN


RACE 5

WESTRIVER MIRACLE will be looking to win a second race in the week after breaking maiden status at Belmont last Wednesday. Really got going down the home straight and was running away from them on the line. Meets Almaher Man on exactly the same weight terms a week later and from the barrier Lucy Warwick should have him in a similar position in running to where he won from. HOT BLOODED was allowed to roll at Northam and looked very comfortable. Won soft in the end and Lou Luciani’s yard is flying. HILTON can be forgiven for one poor performance. Debut win was arrogant. ELITE FIGHER is a nice type resuming. May have to drag back from the wide gate which hurts.

Numbers: 1 – 6 – 8 – 5

Suggested Bet – WESTRIVER MIRACLE WIN


RACE 6

MIDNIGHT MYSTERY continues the recent run of maiden horses in C1 events. She gets 3kg more in a C1 than she would in a set weights maiden and yet this still looks a very winnable race for her. Finished second behind English Heritage last start meaning that she beat home 5 fellow rivals last start. From the gate she can save every inch of ground and probably has the best turn of foot in the race. JAY DEE has an intriguing riding change. Drops 3.5kg on last start’s disappointing effort and now meets Midnight Mystery 4kg better at the weights. This race has the least speed in the entire meeting and if she was to get across to lead or breeze is a big chance. KARDASHIAN KLASS returned in great order when looming into the race at the top of the straight. STAR OF ROSIE is a handful but has raw ability.

Numbers: 3 – 8 – 1 – 10

Suggested Bet – MIDNIGHT MYSTERY WIN


RACE 7

BLACK CHIPS has returned to racing in incredibly good order after a long, long absence from the track. Won a C1 three starts ago and while the form out of the race looked hugely questionable Arno The Fox did destroy them in a C1 a few weeks ago. Solid behind Night Session two starts ago and then was excellent when working hard throughout the race and going down fighting into third behind Admired and Taxi. Gets 1.5kg on Admired, gets 0.5kg on Taxi and importantly gets a far better barrier to enjoy a more economical run. Has won a 2200 previously (disqualified) and looks ready to win another. TAXI was caught up behind tiring horses at crucial stages last start. Has definitely turned a corner since the Toodyay win and is knocking on the door. CHOOSE FREEDOM is quickly building towards another win. NIGHT SESSION is in foal to Rommel and will soon head for retirement. Can pinch another race before she does.

Numbers: 2 – 10 – 6 – 4

Suggested Bet – BLACK CHIPS WIN


Quaddie (Race 4 – 7)

1,2,8
1,4,5,6,8
1,3,8,10
1,2,4,6,10

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