AU - Ascot - Race 9

WESTERN POWER (10) just missed last start when nabbed on the line as favourite over the mile and drops back to this trip where he won two back. He'll need some luck from the gate, but he's starting to hit his straps. Drops in weight with CJP in the saddle and can go one better this time. WITHOUT REG (5) is racing in good order and comes through the same race as Western Power last time out. He may not have run out the extra trip there and was a strong winner here two back with good form coming out from behind him. Can bounce back and flash late in the race. FIRST ENCOUNTER (8) went to Victoria and wasn't disgraced but has spent a long time on the sidelines since. Trials have been fair coming in, but Pike's booking suggests he can fire first-up. Worth keeping on side. SIBERIAN SIREN (6) looks to map similarly to his last start win and can repeat the dose. MULTINATIONAL (2) is a two-time winner fresh and can put his best foot forward.