Ascot 1.15

 

A 24 runner (down from the usual 30 due to Covid Restrictions meaning 24 in max field size this year) Opener and with not too many having had a run and no early season pointers to any potential Draw Bias, the extremely difficult becomes nigh on impossible challenge, but we thrive on those kind of puzzles.

 

Form when fresh, any with race fitness and proven form over Course and Distance, particularly at this Meeting will be common themes all week.

 

Using that logic and also seeking a horse drawn low, middle and high to hedge any bias meant that the 24 were whittled down to 8, so 66% of the field won't be part of the final analysis. Let's hope the winner and places are not discarded.

 

Let's start with the hot favourite DAARIK, connections and form make it a stand out and the only logical suggestion at the Odds is a win saver to generate enough ammunition to cover off a couple of tips and a couple of Trackers (6 points in stakes).

 

Of the remaining 7, KAESO was very strongly considered but does not look great value and we'll take it on the chin if it wins with the obvious Course form it's clear asset. MUTAMAASIK and KEYSER SOZE were very closely analysed as the right types for a race of this sort, the former could be a progressive 4 year old and very much one to track and the latter solid in this type of race but has run some absolute stinkers in big field races here.

 

So on to the Tips and Trackers.

 

CLIFFS OF CAPRI has extensive Course form and a high draw. Has benefit of a recent run and races off a very competitive handicap mark. There isn't really anything not to like about its chances. The Going is Good and there is rain about but can't see that being an excuse 

 

GLEN SHIEL is a winner over 1 mile so has proven stamina at this trip and it looks sure to be a truly run race. The horse likes to run prominently and its optimum trip would probably be 7 and 1/2 furlongs. Course form and a draw in the middle (10) means it should be blazing a trail at or very near the front down the middle and if there is pace either side could be in a tactically perfect pitch

 

Those are the 2 TIPS at 1 point each way.

 

The 1/2 point each way Trackers are BLOWN BY WIND drawn in Stall 1, had a run, which it won, gets a penalty for that but still on a nice mark and has Course winning form and Distance winning form. Trainer not normally as prolific here as at Glorious Goodwood but has started to buck that trend in recent seasons.

 

The other Tracker is the veteran FLAMING SPEAR excellent Course and Distance record over the years, drawn high where there seems to be plenty of pace and if not over the top, has a good record fresh and could run an enhanced place at nice Odds.