We turn our attention back to Ascot on Saturday where it is Scenic Blast Stakes Day.
Nine races make up the program, and our best bet for each can be found below.
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Race 1 – 5:28pm – Seacorp Plate (1000m)
My Baby Blue Jean was a dominant maiden winner at Pinjarra two weeks ago where she put nearly three lengths between herself and her rivals.
The Snipptetson filly was having only her second start that day, so there’s definite scope for improvement despite dropping back to 1000m now.
Clint Johnston-Porter has retained the ride, and although this is a tougher assignment, everything about the way she finished off a fortnight ago suggests she’s capable.
Race 2 – 6:05pm – Westspeed Platinum Handicap (1000m)
Requisition has been racing well recently and there is no question he’s well-deserving on another win.
The old boy by Trade Fair has returned a place in each of his last three starts, and I like the fact he’s been kept fresh for the run after last going around on New Year’s Day.
He’s a five-time winner over 1000m, with three of those coming here at Ascot. Lucy Warwick knows him well, and he’ll be tough to hold out if the pair land just in behind the pace.
Race 3 – 6:40pm – Magic Millions Plate (1000m)
Far from an easy race with a few of these facing the starter for the first time.
Playhouse Patron has won two lead-up trials narrowly at Lark Hill and has drawn to get the gun run under Joseph Azzopardi.
Galaxy Affair won on debut over 1200m two weeks ago and won’t find this any tougher dropping back in trip.
Spiritson was a clear winner on trial at Belmont last week and has claims.
Race 4 – 7:20pm – Karen Haynes 50th Birthday Handicap (1400m)
Trade War looks to have found a winnable race after coming off second-best to a smart horse in Cheval de Vaga in his last two starts.
He wasn’t beaten by much on both occasions, and that form obviously speaks for itself.
The four-year-old son of Trade Fair was seen doing his best work late last time out, and back to 1400m should suit in his fourth run back.
Race 5 – 7:53pm – Happy 80th Birthday Margie Handicap (1600m)
Sentimental Queen is likely looking for further, but there’s no reason she can’t tick off another win over the mile on the way.
Hayden Ballantyne’s mare resumed a narrow runner-up two weeks ago where she pushed Billy Ain’t Silly all the way to the line.
The daughter of Al Maher won over the mile second-up at Belmont last year by close to a length, and she should find this a tad easier.
Race 6 – 8:26pm – Belhus Racing Stables Handicap (1600m)
I’ve been with Chili Is Hot in her last two starts and I’m not about to get off.
Given, she’ll need to be bring her best with the highly talented Cheval de Vaga lining up, but back to the mile looks ideal for her now after missing out by the tightest of margins over 1800m two weeks ago.
She’s drawn to get back and run on under Jason Whiting, and fitter for six runs back, prove hard to hold out.
Race 7 – 9:00pm – Amelia Park Handicap (1000m)
We look to be getting a nice price for the Parnham-trained Brooklyn Pier.
The son of Magnus finished off only fairly for fourth in his last start, but I don’t think the tempo or 1200m suited him.
Back in trip looks the key here, especially with two wins and three placings to his name.
He’s rock-hard fit at this stage of his prep, and if he gets an easier go of it in behind the speed, he’ll be finishing strongly.
Race 8 – 9:30pm – Listed Scenic Blast Stakes (1200m)
I think William Pike will have Clairvoyance figured out now.
The pair led for most of the way first-up in the Miss Andretti a fortnight ago before being swallowed up 100m out from home to finish seventh.
Pike probably went a little too early on her that day, while they also had to do a ton of work mid-race to find the front.
Fitter, and unbeaten over 1200m, I think she bounces back.
Race 9 – 10:00pm – Crown Perth Handicap (1200m)
The Fugazi makes his return to the races and just needs a little luck to go his way in the finish.
He doesn’t win out of turn, but the son of Sebring was far from disgraced against some good horses like Graceful Girl and God Has Chosen during the spring.
His first-up record is good, and the fact he’s missed a place only once from six starts over 1200m makes him worth backing.
