Train's Ascot April 20th Selections

Perth Turf Talk | Metropolitan Racing | Tue 20 April, 2021

R1- FIRST LAW raced really well without winning last campaign and finds himself in easier here first up. Ran second behind Kissonallforcheeks first up in a fast run race beating some smart ones before placing in the Fairetha second up. Has trialled well for this and Pike on is always a positive. Small fields are always tactical affairs and from two he can sit wherever he’s comfortable and the cutaway should ensure he finds a run somewhere.

R2- WRITTEN EXCEED had trialled well and looked a lovely type before being a late scratching on debut. Went back to the trials and cruised around outside the leader before shooting straight past it and looking lost in front. Found again when challenged near the line so expect he’ll be able to find more on race day. Should settle right on speed and that’s never a bad thing for 2yos.

R3- GEE FORCE didn’t show much during his initial campaign but showed something was under the hood first up this prep. Went around a massive price for a horse who had trialled well enough and having blinkers for the first time. Was forced to lead the field up to Big Screen and did well enough to try and stick with him. There are no Big Screens in this field and he’ll get a chance to roll forward on a more moderate tempo.

R4- ISLAND CHARM bolted in fresh over this track and trip and has been competitive without winning since. Placed in the Magic Millions Trophy before struggling to get involved when attempting to circle the field over the short course twice and looking a little lost with a flop at 1400 in between. Now draws wide over 1000m but on a Wednesday with the rail out 16m and some genuine speed engaged. Can sit back and unleash in the straight with the one sided blinker hopefully aiding her to go straighter.

R5- RECITING gave a maiden field a touch up two back before being thrown in the deep end to tackle the Oaks. Had been attacking the line strongly prior to her maiden win and that win was no different and has always looked a filly who would appreciate ground so the 1800 looks prefect at this stage of her campaign. Her Oaks run was more than good enough and if she can avoid traffic here she’ll take beating.

R6- DOOWAHDIDDY found herself in a 1200 58+ at York last start. It didn’t look suitable for her and that’s how it panned out as she was run off her legs before getting to the line well enough. Comes back to a class one here and her first two runs this prep in this grade were both really good for different reasons. Getting back out to 1400 looks another plus for her and she can sit back and unwind with her powerful turn of foot.

R7- GIANCANA looks a smart filly in a class one. Was a smart debut winner before contesting a high rating race behind Acromantula and rounding out her initial campaign with a crack at the Placid Ark. blinkers were on for that run when finishing close up behind Chantorque. Trialled really sharply for her first up run and didn’t look comfortable with the blinkers off. They go straight back on and she can sit just behind the speed waiting to pounce.

R8- MERCANTO comes from what could look like a super form race by days end. Island Charm and Giancana run earlier while the race has already produced a winner and metro place getter and he was one of the better runs in that race. Was a winner on debut and trialled nicely for his return. Out to 1200 second up and looks brilliantly placed in a class one after Laqdar’s claim. Doesn’t have to be too far off them from three and looks like winning better races than this in his career.

R9- Best Bet: WORTH A RISK is finally starting to be campaigned to her strengths. Has won three races in her career, one first up and two when a month and a half between runs. The latter is the case here and is coming to this off a demolition job in the Rose of York when beating Temptacion by a space. From three Azzopardi has options with plenty of speed drawn outside him. Should be able to put her to sleep early and take the cutaway as it presents itself.