AU - Ascot - Race 8

Thoroughbred

11 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

SOFT 5

51.9K

VIEW

Verdict

Great race this. OPPORTUNISTIC (1) flew home first-up over this track and trip when favourite, missing by 1.5L but clocking splits good enough to say he's picked up where he left off. CJP rides now from a better barrier and while staying at 7f is a query, he does have plenty of class. SEPTEMBER BORN (6) returns to the races for the first time in nearly a year but has been sighted at the trials across two separate campaigns. Only 1 trial coming into this, but it was solid enough and the inside draw suggests he can be close to the speed first-up. Plenty of hype around him and he should get his chance to deliver. ROYAL TORONADO (7) has impressed at the trials coming into this and looks destined to get over further this time in work. Pike riding is a good push for his chances and if he's sharp enough, he'll be right in the finish. DEEL HER IN (10) looks an improver out to 7f now and is not to be discounted. ASPHALT (9) has to raise the bar again but he's doing so with ease recently.

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Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob
1	Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 12 at this track Rtg 78+ on October 11 over 7f, 1.5 len behind Bruce Almighty with 123lbs at $2.30. Previously second-up favourite, won by a neck at Bunbury LR Raconteur June 14 over 7f in soft going defeating Elite Missile with 121lbs at $5. Staying at this trip is a query, but he was good late last start and strikes a winnable race. 1st Pick 1 Opportunistic Jockey: Clint Johnston-Porter Trainer: Michael Grantham J: Clint Johnston-Porter T: Michael Grantham	213	-	-	-	29%
Analysis Second-up. First-up after four months 4th of 12 at this track Rtg 78+ on October 11 over 7f, 1.5 len behind Bruce Almighty with 123lbs at $2.30. Previously second-up favourite, won by a neck at Bunbury LR Raconteur June 14 over 7f in soft going defeating Elite Missile with 121lbs at $5. Staying at this trip is a query, but he was good late last start and strikes a winnable race.
6	Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 11 months. Finished off last preparation eighth of 13 at this track in the G2 Wa Guineas November 23 over 1m, 3.5 len behind Storyville carrying 126lbs at $2.10. Previously first up, second of 13 at this track in the LR Belgravia October 26 over 6f, a neck behind West Star carrying 123lbs at $2.80. Hype horse who has trialled well and can return a winner. 2nd Pick 6 September Born Jockey: Brad Parnham Trainer: Neville Parnham J: Brad Parnham T: Neville Parnham	98	-	-	-	34%
Analysis Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 11 months. Finished off last preparation eighth of 13 at this track in the G2 Wa Guineas November 23 over 1m, 3.5 len behind Storyville carrying 126lbs at $2.10. Previously first up, second of 13 at this track in the LR Belgravia October 26 over 6f, a neck behind West Star carrying 123lbs at $2.80. Hype horse who has trialled well and can return a winner.
7	Gelding back from a spell of four months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last campaign sixth of 14 at Pinjarra Rtg 72+ July 5 over 1m, soft track, 2.25 len behind Lord Gannicus carrying 127lbs at $12. First up last campaign seventh of 13 at Pinjarra Scarpside Rtg 66+ May 28 over 6f, 2.25 len behind Drakaina with 132lbs at $13. Has been very impressive at the trials and can feature despite this being short of his best. 3rd Pick 7 Royal Toronado Jockey: William Pike Trainer: Grant & Alana Williams J: William Pike T: Grant & Alana Williams	150	-	-	-	9%
Analysis Gelding back from a spell of four months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last campaign sixth of 14 at Pinjarra Rtg 72+ July 5 over 1m, soft track, 2.25 len behind Lord Gannicus carrying 127lbs at $12. First up last campaign seventh of 13 at Pinjarra Scarpside Rtg 66+ May 28 over 6f, 2.25 len behind Drakaina with 132lbs at $13. Has been very impressive at the trials and can feature despite this being short of his best.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Handicap

A race where a handicapper has assigned weights to be carried by all runners on the basis of their past racing efforts.

Silks

The colorful jacket and cap worn by a jockey which features the design of the owner.

Fractions

The times recorded during the race; with timing starting just past the gate or when the gates open, then parroted for the quarter, half, three-quarters etc. Used as an indication of ability and speed.