The appropriately named Summer Scorcher over 1000m is the first of three Black Type races on Tuesday’s card at Ascot. Even though Excelorada ($4.40) is looking at making it three wins on the trot and defeated Texan at their last start, it is Texan holding favouritism @ $3.30 in a competitive race.
Schweppes Summer Scorcher Form Guide
1. TEXAN
He won three of four starts including the Listed Birthday Stakes and Hannan’s Handicap before a nine week spell. Returned in good order with a neck second to the in-form Excelorada last start and meets that horse 1.5kgs better here. Coupled with the benefit of last start, he’s an obvious inclusion but has drawn wide.
Odds: $3.30
2. WERD
He ran second to the smart Barakey three starts back before, at his most recent start, finishing a long neck third to Excelorada and Texan. Never far away in these races but is finding it hard to crack it for a win. He’ll have to be at the top of his game from his wide draw.
Odds: $5.50
3. EXCELORADA
5yo by Exceed and Excel who has recorded nine wins from seventeen starts, including his last two outings. Got the job done last start defeating Texan and Werd and meets both horses, slightly worse at the weights today. Drawn the inside and in a scamper such as this for a horse that generally races off the speed, he may need a touch of luck on the turn.
Odds: $3.30
4. ACORNS
Seven year old who, since coming across from Victoria, has had two starts for his new trainer Sean Casey. The latest of which was a fifth, beaten 1.8 lengths behind Excelorada in the RS Crawford Stakes a week and a half back. Had every chance from the inside draw then and found it hard to see him making up the beaten margin of last start.
Odds: $3.30
5. BLACKSMITH
Has been a model of consistency this time in however in eight starts this preparation, he’s still searching for that elusive win. He came close last start with a half length fourth to Excelorada. On that run, he’ll have to go into any multiples.
Odds: $3.30
6. HONEST LIES
His last start was some seven weeks ago where he finished seventh of nine (beaten 4.6 lengths) behind Waterman’s Bay. His form prior to that had been solid and included a second behind Mr. Moet and Barakey. Ideally would like to see him in something a touch longer but will be finishing hard and not be discounted.
Odds: $3.30
7. IMPATIENT TIMES
Returned to racing from a seven month spell with a eighth of ten (beaten 7.5 lengths) behind Waterman’s Bay. Raced on the speed but weakened noticeably in the run home first up and whilst he’ll be better for that outing, find it hard to see him winning here.
Odds: $3.30
8. MEGEM’S BOY
His last three starts have been over this track and trip but on each occasion, he’s found himself just a few lengths off the pace. His last start was in the Crawford Stakes behind Excelorada, beaten two lengths. Don’t know if he’ll have the early toe to make use of the inside draw and can’t see him being able to run a few of these down late.
Odds: $3.30
9. NONAME CITY
Resumes off a nine week break here after finishing down the track behind Travinator in early November. Has been competitive in these races and against his this opposition in the past and being fresh, from the inside draw, may be capable of running a cheeky race.
Odds: $3.30
10. THE ENTOURAGE
Last a plate when finishing 5.5 lengths behind Travinator at his last start on the 20th October. He’s won a barrier trial in preparation for his return to racing here and has placed five times over this track and trip from ten starts. Will go forward from the wider gate but may be found wanting last bit.
Odds: $3.30
SUMMARY
Picture a big finish in this race. Texan and Werd will have to do some work early and obviously there’s pace drawn inside them so it’ll be interesting to see where they finish up in the run but both will be in the mix. Excelorada is a winner and did the right thing by us at his last start. Only needs an ounce of luck from the inside draw to be right in the finish again and at $4.40, I’m happy to back the luck will come. One at a bit of value may be Honest Lies. He tackles this first up and he just might have enough zip in him for the 1000m. He also has a second to Barakey, three starts back. Look for him to be finishing hard.