In what was muddling run two-year-old race, Peter Knuckey took up the initiative to lead on the beautifully bred Fastnet Rock colt Akheron. The entire led all of the way to beat some other smart youngsters.
Monsoon got going late along the inside to run a nice race for second. Out to 1400m and clear running will see him improve vastly.
Brad Parnham decided to take favourite Massagi to the rear of the field in what was an unevenly run race. She tried to run on but just couldn’t make up any ground.
Race 2 - 1:07PM TABTOUCH RACE REPLAYS MAIDEN (1200 METRES)
THE WINNER
The Diary got to the lead comfortably under Randy Tan and was never headed. The gelding cornered a lot better than last start and seems to have put his injury woes behind him.
THE GOOD
On what seemed to be a tough day to make up ground, Even More Alert and Impressive Star finished their races off very nicely for fifth and sixth respectively.
THE BAD
Missile Launch started as favourite and put in a massive run after sitting three-deep without cover. It was a case of “what could have been" for favourite punters.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Even More Alert – 35.02
Race 3 - 1:42PM CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP MAIDEN (1200 METRES)
THE WINNER
Santiago Girl continued the pattern of leaders getting up to win. Aaron Mitchell took the first-starter to the front and she was strong to the line. The future looks bright for the speedy filly.
THE GOOD
It’s A Chance was one of few horses to run on from far back in the field. He started at $101 but was the fastest home. There should be a maiden win in the lightly-raced five-year-old around the corner.
THE BAD
Hurricane Jack was an expensive yearling purchase, costing $320,000, and it is unlikely that he will make that back. Especially considering he was gelded prior to last start.
FASTEST LAST 600M
It’s A Chance – 34.33
Race 4 - 2:17PM CLUB MEMBERSHIP HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
THE WINNER
A very tight finish saw Someday One Day get the bob ahead of Kilkenny Joe, Anvil Green and Dusha Zachistki. Scottish Trader and Long Over Due set the race up for the backmarkers after going too fast out in front.
THE GOOD
Kilkenny Joe loomed up on the inside and looked like he would be the one that was going to win until Someday One Day ground away to poke his head in front at the post. Anvil Green franked his good form behind Key To Fame.
THE BAD
Despite only being beaten by a small margin, Dusha Zachistki did lose as a $2.05 favourite after looking unbeatable on paper.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Anvil Green – 34.95
Race 5 - 2:52PM D'ORSOGNA HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
THE WINNER
Two Silver Trees continued the theme of leaders winning after getting a soft time of it out in front under Chris Parnham. The win brought up a race-to-race double for Parnham.
THE GOOD
Halldora stuck on well over 1000m and, considering she is by Blackfriars, should get better over further.
THE BAD
Luke’s Gold was caught at the back of the field and three-wide without cover. He was always going to struggle on straightening.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Two Silver Trees – 34.30
Race 6 - 3:32PM YOUNG MEMBERSHIP HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
THE WINNER
Geiger Gem was put into a lovely position behind the leaders by Peter Hall. Hall pulled out before the home turn and really tested the inexperienced Allume Le Feu, which sat outside of the leader, and went past her and Kimbo’s Girl while holding off Mega Minx. It was a meritorious win.
THE GOOD
Mega Minx challenged strongly along the inside under William Pike but couldn’t quite get the job done. He has another midweek win in him this preparation.
THE BAD
Friarandice was scratched at the barriers after getting herself cast in her stall. She will run well wherever she goes next start.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Geiger Gem – 35.26
Race 7 - 4:10PM SCHWEPPES GINGER BEER HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
THE WINNER
Celtic Wizard was travelling well around the bend but just couldn’t get clear. Randy Tan let the gelding flow three and four horses off the rail before switching back to the inside to storm home to win. That's now two wins in a row for the class three galloper.
THE GOOD
Class one galloper Fire Detonator looks to have a really bright future after backing up his stellar debut win at Pinjarra with an eye-catching second.
THE BAD
William Pike rode Fire Detonator which was his second consecutive runner-up performance. We are all waiting for Pike to explode and ride multiple winners soon.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Celtic Wizard & Kim Dynamite – 35.22
Race 8 - 4:45PM EVENTS AT ASCOT HANDICAP (1800 METRES)
THE WINNER
Little Miss Mak was given a sublime ride by Shaun O’Donnell. He settled the pint-sized filly just behind the leader, on the fence, and finished off strongly when presented with clear running. She was only second up here and will win another race this preparation, probably over further.
THE GOOD
Hot Bresa was the black-booker of the day. He settled last and flew home for third after being strongly supported in late on-course betting.
THE BAD
Favourite Reef Keeper finished third last after drifting late in betting and failing to settle in the run for Chris Parnham. He has plenty of talent and will be a nice horse next preparation. Watch for him in a provincial staying race next start.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Hot Bresa – 35.03
#AscotGoodTimes
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