The blinkers came off The Celt which seemed to be the winning move by trainer Vaughn Sigley. The son of Planet Five settled and relaxed beautifully in the run under 3kg claimer Kate Fitzgerald and accelerated nicely to put away the small field.
Sweet Ora sprinted well along the inside after Snow Lord compounded in the lead. She may well be back to her best. Top Of The Class was a beaten favourite but there are still plenty of nice races for her to win. Storm Dancer hit the line as though 1400m will suit next start.
Snow Lord led and was attacked by Halldora. He gave up at the 200m mark and will now be sent for a let up.
Race 2 - 12:37PM CITY OF BELMONT HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
THE WINNER
New trainer Justin Warwick had only acquired Elite Flight a week prior to this Saturday class fillies and mares win. After running third at her previous start, in a 58+ at Albany, she toughed it out to the line to hold off $1.40 favourite Detango. Where to next will be the question.
THE GOOD
The second short-priced favourite in a row to go down was Detango. So nothing, at this point of the day, was going well for punters.
THE BAD
Detango was $1.40 beaten favourite with William Pike in the saddle. The mare seemingly was ahead before and after the post but was behind where it mattered. Punters were drowning,
FASTEST LAST 600M
Detango – 33.93
Race 3 - 1:17PM JAMES BOAG'S PREMIUM HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
THE WINNER
Miki Two Toes settled well back in the field but ran on strongly for Anne King to claim victory. The good speed set by Fathnoxious was beneficial and aided the son of Patronize’s run-on win.
THE GOOD
Astronomite snuck up along the inside and looked as though he might be the one to win at the 200m mark but he peaked late and could only manage second. On this effort, he looks set for a good campaign. Watch out for when Red Publisher actually draws a barrier. He was good from second last to run third.
THE BAD
Majinika started favourite but combusted in the lead with Fathnoxious at the 200m mark.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Miki Two Toes – 34.32
Race 4 - 1:57PM D'ORSOGNA ITALIAN RACEDAY AT ASCOT - 20 MAY HCP (2200 METRES)
THE WINNER
Two wins in four days for Rosewood Hill. The mare backed up her excellent Wednesday win with another strong victory. Aaron Mitchell parked outside of Cappo D’Oro in the lead and never let William Pike out of his sights. On straightening, Rosewood Hill had Cappo D’Oro covered comfortably.
THE GOOD
Kostyazilch ground to the line well after enjoying a box-seat run in the race. He finished third underneath Peter Hall.
THE BAD
If Proxy ever learns to settle, he will be a serious stayer. He just needs a fast run race which will allow him to race generously, settle and run on.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Rosewood Hill – 34.28
Race 5 - 2:42PM PENFOLDS HANDICAP (1800 METRES)
THE WINNER
Ripper Rio enjoyed a lovely run in the race, just off Corporate Larrikin, and ground away well to the line to win over 1800m. Back to Belmont with a bit of sting out of the track will be his go.
THE GOOD
My Magic Miss scrambled after the start and lost several lengths but that didn’t stop the Albany Cup winner from running on strongly into third. Some might say she was “a good thing beat”.
THE BAD
Boom horse Touch Of Silver was bitterly disappointing after having a seemingly cushy run in the race. He dint finish off like we know he can but he may have had enough for this preparation. Don’t drop off him for next preparation.
FASTEST LAST 600M
My Magic Miss – 34.16
Race 6 - 3:15PM BELMONT COMMUNITY TROPHY (1200 METRES)
THE WINNER
Rubia Miss jumped well with the blinkers on and took up lovely trailing position behind the first four horses in running. There were a few nervous moments for connections when the filly rounded the turn as she was hampered by the leader Epic Grey which lost his bearings and veered out around the bend. However, Rubia Miss straightened up and attacked the line savagely to break maiden status.
THE GOOD
Under The Archers, Trackta, Little Hercules and Texas Moon all flashed home nicely to finish midfield and will all be winning their share of races.
THE BAD
Epic Grey went bush on the home turn and pretty much dissolved any chance he and Lies In Disguise had to win the race.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Little Hercules – 34.91
Race 7 - 3:55PM TABTOUCH HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
THE WINNER
As we thought, Caipirinha jumped well and led all of the way despite her pre-race tantrum. She looks to be a live contender heading towards the Group Three D’Orsogna Roma Cup over 1200m next week.
THE GOOD
The River was slightly tardy away and got held up in the straight but rattled home late to finish a nice third. He looks to be well and truly back. Delicate Miss was so tough and game after sitting outside of Caipirinha and stuck on well to run within a neck of the winner.
THE BAD
Stocks missed the start slightly but he usually needs a run or two to get into his preparation. Back to Belmont and with a softer track, he will be one to follow.
FASTEST LAST 600M
Woolibar – 33.25
Race 8 - 4:30PM CREATING OPPORTUNITIES HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
THE WINNER
Grey Enigma was given a peach of a ride by Brad Parnham to win the last of the day and give himself a double for the day. Although regarded as a Belmont specialist, he has handled the track well this preparation and will only improve when we get to Belmont.
THE GOOD
War Jeune and Travellin’ stuck on well to run competitive placings. Despite not winning, the change in tactics on Forseen seemed to work well with the gelding running on powerfully from second last into seventh. King Louie also rattled home well for Holly Locke and Glenn Smith.
THE BAD
Macavity was a big drifter and betting and didn’t seem to stretch out in the middle stages of the race. Jerry Noske also found traffic in the latter stages of the race which was not ideal. Further and the long straight at Belmont will suit him.
FASTEST LAST 600M
34.56 – King Louie.
#AscotGoodTimes
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