AU - Ascot - Race 1

Thoroughbred

8 Runners

OPEN

Turf

SOFT 5

56.6K

VIEW

Verdict

WATTO'S MARK (4) was an impressive winner in this grade two back before sticking on soundly over 6f in the Listed Breeders' Classic where he was at the top end of the market. This is a much easier race today and it shapes beautifully for him. Clearly the one to beat. SWINGMAN (3) tried his hand at the Placid Ark before a spell where he sat handy but failed to fire a shot. He was trending the right way prior to that and his trial coming into this was very strong. Appears the main danger. CASTLE ROAD (1) is a speedy customer who boasts an impressive first-up record. He's won both trials coming into this and the claim of Martinan gets him in nicely at the weights. Can sit on the speed and be tough to run down. SHARPASSA (6) will find this tougher, but she looks a filly on the way up. Can feature again with a favourable alley. RIPPER RUPERT (2) can bounce back to form dropping in grade.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
4	At the latest run 5th of 9 at Bunbury in the LR Wa Breeders on February 1 over 6f, 1.5 len behind Playin'it Sweet with 123lbs at $4. The start before that ran on from midfield and won by 2 len at this track 3yo Plate January 24 over 5f defeating Call Me Frosty carrying 123lbs at $9. Clearly the one to beat with the form he brings into this. 1st Pick 4 Watto's Mark Jockey: Brad Parnham Trainer: Mack Hall J: Brad Parnham T: Mack Hall	234	-	-	-	34%	2/1
Analysis At the latest run 5th of 9 at Bunbury in the LR Wa Breeders on February 1 over 6f, 1.5 len behind Playin'it Sweet with 123lbs at $4. The start before that ran on from midfield and won by 2 len at this track 3yo Plate January 24 over 5f defeating Call Me Frosty carrying 123lbs at $9. Clearly the one to beat with the form he brings into this.
3	Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign 14th of 16 at this track in the LR Placid Ark November 15 over 6f, 5.5 len behind Luana Miss carrying 126lbs at $81. Previous preparation first-up won by 1.2 len Northam Mdn August 28 over 5 ½f on heavy track defeating Bold Fight with 122lbs at $3.40. Tested in stronger company at the end of last campaign and his trials coming in were very good. 2nd Pick 3 Swingman Jockey: Steven Parnham Trainer: Jim P Taylor J: Steven Parnham T: Jim P Taylor	81	-	-	-	10%	9/1
Analysis Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign 14th of 16 at this track in the LR Placid Ark November 15 over 6f, 5.5 len behind Luana Miss carrying 126lbs at $81. Previous preparation first-up won by 1.2 len Northam Mdn August 28 over 5 ½f on heavy track defeating Bold Fight with 122lbs at $3.40. Tested in stronger company at the end of last campaign and his trials coming in were very good.
1	Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation fourth of 8 at this track 3yo Plate December 6 over 5f, 4 len behind Storm Away with 129lbs at $2.70. When resuming last campaign third of 14 at this track Pa Prelude November 1 over 5 ½f, 3 len behind Luana Miss carrying 128lbs at $21. Resumes after a recent trial win. Can add to his impressive fresh record. 3rd Pick 1 Castle Road Jockey: Cassey Martinan Trainer: Paul Jordan J: Cassey Martinan T: Paul Jordan	131	-	-	-	34%	2/1
Analysis Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation fourth of 8 at this track 3yo Plate December 6 over 5f, 4 len behind Storm Away with 129lbs at $2.70. When resuming last campaign third of 14 at this track Pa Prelude November 1 over 5 ½f, 3 len behind Luana Miss carrying 128lbs at $21. Resumes after a recent trial win. Can add to his impressive fresh record.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Rabbit

Also known as a pacemaker; this is a horse with no expected chance of winning but is used to prompt a quick pace on the front end of the race to the benefit of a stablemate who is a closer.

Dead Heat

Two or more horses finishing so close at the wire, that they were unable to be separated on a photo finish and deemed to have tied.

Track Bias

The term used to identify which parts of the track or running styles are producing more winners.