AU - Ascot - Race 5

Thoroughbred

10 Runners

8.9f

Benchmark

Turf

GOOD 4

57.9K

VIEW

Verdict

WESTBOUND (6) missed fresh before bolting in over 7f last time out, putting 2.1L on his rivals as the odds-on favourite. Out to 1 ?m now, but that doesn't look an issue with the way he's closed off over a mile previously. Likely to get back in the run, but watch for him launching late. FIFTH ESSENCE (3) sat handy but couldn't get the job done here last time out when 1.5L off the winner. He rates highly off that effort though and he has the speed to roll across from a sticky gate. Nottle's claim sees him drop plenty of weight and he can put his best foot forward. SIMPLY THINKIN' (2) flew home last time out when getting back over 1m and she steps up to 1 ?m now. Wouldn't surprise to sit closer this time around with CJP remaining in the saddle. Can feature. ODINAKA (1) is hard to knock on recent form and has to be included. BLACK FOR CASH (4) can bounce back after a 2.7L defeat most recently.

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Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
6	Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 3rd of 8 at this track Grad Hcp 60+ on April 4 over 7f, 1.4 len behind Desert Waves with 123lbs at $2.10. Second run from a spell favourite, won by 2 len at this track Grad Hcp 60+ April 18 over 7f on a soft track defeating Stylish Lord with 123lbs at $1.95. Impressive gelding on the rise and while this trip is an unknown, everything points to another forward showing. 1st Pick 6 Westbound Jockey: Brad Parnham Trainer: Michael Grantham J: Brad Parnham T: Michael Grantham	163	-	-	-	61%	4/6
Analysis Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 3rd of 8 at this track Grad Hcp 60+ on April 4 over 7f, 1.4 len behind Desert Waves with 123lbs at $2.10. Second run from a spell favourite, won by 2 len at this track Grad Hcp 60+ April 18 over 7f on a soft track defeating Stylish Lord with 123lbs at $1.95. Impressive gelding on the rise and while this trip is an unknown, everything points to another forward showing.
3	Recent form sound. Most recently tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 at this track Grad Hcp 60+ on April 25 over 1m, 1.5 len behind Uni Queen carrying 133lbs at $4.40. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily, won by 0.5 len at this track Grad Hcp 60+ April 11 over 1m defeating Defending carrying 129lbs at $7.50. Not far away last start. Racing in top order and Nottle's claim comes in handy. 2nd Pick 3 Fifth Essence Jockey: Holly Nottle Trainer: Brett Pope J: Holly Nottle T: Brett Pope	108	-	-	-	15%	6/1
Analysis Recent form sound. Most recently tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 at this track Grad Hcp 60+ on April 25 over 1m, 1.5 len behind Uni Queen carrying 133lbs at $4.40. The race before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily, won by 0.5 len at this track Grad Hcp 60+ April 11 over 1m defeating Defending carrying 129lbs at $7.50. Not far away last start. Racing in top order and Nottle's claim comes in handy.
2	At the latest run got back early 4th of 8 at this track Rtg 66+ on April 25 over 1m, 0.6 len behind Noble Connection with 129lbs at $8. Before that came home strongly from last on the turn, 4th of 9 at this track Rtg 66+ on April 11 over 7f, 1.2 len behind Rally The Troops with 128lbs at $14. Looks as though she'll relish the trip and she should get every chance. 3rd Pick 2 Simply Thinkin' Jockey: Clint Johnston-Porter Trainer: Adam Durrant J: Clint Johnston-Porter T: Adam Durrant	146	-	-	-	14%	13/2
Analysis At the latest run got back early 4th of 8 at this track Rtg 66+ on April 25 over 1m, 0.6 len behind Noble Connection with 129lbs at $8. Before that came home strongly from last on the turn, 4th of 9 at this track Rtg 66+ on April 11 over 7f, 1.2 len behind Rally The Troops with 128lbs at $14. Looks as though she'll relish the trip and she should get every chance.

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Horse Racing Basic Terms

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.

Filly

A female horse that is four years of age or under.

Handicap

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