AU - Ascot - Race 5

Thoroughbred

13 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

SOFT 5

54.8K

VIEW

Verdict

WESTBOUND (2) settled last 21 days ago but closed steadily when beaten 3.2L. Pike now hops on board as he rises to the mile and he maps to sit much closer in the run. Laid the foundations fresh and can now explode second-up. LINCHPIN (10) scored impressively last start at 7f, kicking away to score by 1.2L. Up in grade and distance here, but he drops in weight and the last start figure stacks right up. He's a big danger if he can run to that level again. WESTERN LADY (13) is another who got back on resumption and closed soundly, ending up 2.8L off Rock Fest over 7f. She's another who will relish the rise to a mile and she looks in for a solid campaign. STREET BAND (12) has trialled nicely since his latest effort and out to the mile now looks a big tick. Can make an impression. MASMELO (11) can improve third-up and on the quick turnaround.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
2	Resumed with an eighth at this track, beaten just over three lengths after blundering at the start and settling too far back to threaten. That run should bring him on, and his second in the Listed Belmont Classic at Belmont Park before that reads strongly for this grade. Well suited here and he looks a sharp improver. 1st Pick 2 Westbound Jockey: William Pike Trainer: Michael Grantham J: William Pike T: Michael Grantham	208	-	-	-	45%	5/4
Analysis Resumed with an eighth at this track, beaten just over three lengths after blundering at the start and settling too far back to threaten. That run should bring him on, and his second in the Listed Belmont Classic at Belmont Park before that reads strongly for this grade. Well suited here and he looks a sharp improver.
10	Put the writing on the wall with a second first-up, then delivered as a well-supported favourite at this track, beating Joyoh by just over a length in NMW1Y grade on soft ground. He drops 9lbs from that win and is now third-up, which gives him a strong platform. Last start win stacks up and he can keep the ball rolling. 2nd Pick 10 Linchpin Jockey: Brad Parnham Trainer: Darren Mcauliffe J: Brad Parnham T: Darren Mcauliffe	98	-	-	-	11%	17/2
Analysis Put the writing on the wall with a second first-up, then delivered as a well-supported favourite at this track, beating Joyoh by just over a length in NMW1Y grade on soft ground. He drops 9lbs from that win and is now third-up, which gives him a strong platform. Last start win stacks up and he can keep the ball rolling.
13	Resumed with a seventh at this track, beaten just under three lengths after settling well back and being hampered from the ¾f. Her previous run was a dominant three-length BM66+ win at this venue as a very short odds-on favourite, so there is stronger form beneath the fresh result. Out to the mile is a big tick and she can make her presence felt. 3rd Pick 13 Western Lady Jockey: Lucy Fiore Trainer: Michael Grantham J: Lucy Fiore T: Michael Grantham	106	-	-	-	20%	4/1
Analysis Resumed with a seventh at this track, beaten just under three lengths after settling well back and being hampered from the ¾f. Her previous run was a dominant three-length BM66+ win at this venue as a very short odds-on favourite, so there is stronger form beneath the fresh result. Out to the mile is a big tick and she can make her presence felt.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Turf Course

A racetrack made of grass.

Yielding

A rain-soaked turf condition often producing a slick or heavy course and slower finish times.

Claiming Race

A race in which horses are entered for a certain price, or claiming tag, which is also their sales price. An owner can claim any horse entered for the tag before the race begins, and owns them as soon as the gates open.