AU - Ascot - Race 3

The Apprentices Cup now where FIRST ENCOUNTER (2) looks ideally placed third-up and out in trip for the first time. He's been winding up late in his two runs back this time and looks suited out to this distance. Can get over the top to land the knockout blow. ROYAL LAW (3) has been racing in top order around this distance range, albeit in losing efforts. He was just 1.9L away most recently and was a brilliant run in the Kalgoorlie Cup two back. Rates highly on recent performances and appears the main danger. EXQUISITE TASTE (8) steps up in trip for the first time following a good win over 1 ?m most recently. He's a lightly raced commodity and looks open to further improvement now. Down in the weights still and he can put his best foot forward. SIMPLY (1) looks set to peak third-up for the stable apprentice and he can feature in the finish. MAGIC WHISTLE (6) can give a sight from the front.