AU - Ascot - Race 3

WIND AND THE LION (1) won the Placid Ark before taking on the older horses in the Gold Rush before a spell. He's looked good at the trials coming in and he'll be close to the speed from an inside barrier. Ticks plenty of boxes and can continue to work through the grades. TOROPA (2) was too good here on resumption, sitting just off the speed before getting over the top to score by 0.4L. This shapes similarly and Brad Parnham remains in the saddle. Positive signs first-up and she has the platform to go to another level now. CELESTIAL STORM (7) disappointed at the end of last campaign but had shown glimpses prior to that. No trials coming in but the booking of Pike suggests she's ready to fire. She's a first-up winner in the past and has to be included. HANCHI (4) resumes off a break but showed he's got class in an impressive Victorian sojourn. Nice trials coming in and he has winning claims. GOLDEN VALE (5) won't be far away again.