This is an annual event for us although numbers have sadly dwindled in recent years, but to celebrate my advancing years we decamp to Ascot races for their midweek fixture featuring the Gold Cup trial the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes.
Last years winner TAC DE BOISTRON reappears and must have a strong chance with form figures of 121/121- clearly goes well fresh and forecast 4/1 looks spot on. (alas since posting this is now a Non Runner on Wednesday)
The card is good quality for a midweek meeting with another Group 3 (Pavilion Stakes) and a listed event (Paradise Stakes) and the only change to the card is that the concluding handicap, the only handicap on the card, is now for apprentice's only but still has a 16 runner max field over the straight mile.
Here are my selections for the meeting;
2.25 - 5f Conditions Stakes (2yo) - LONG OUT ISLAND is noted as a newcomer from the Richard Hannon yard who regularly use this race for one of their forward types.
WON 9/2
There are three previous winners in the field and the best of these is likely to be GIFTED MASTER who showed a fair turn of foot to see off his rivals, could be a short price so we'll stick with the Hannon inmate.
3.00 - 1m Fillies Conditions Stakes - Just the seven to choose from but they are all top yards and blue blood owners, Hey Majesty The Queen has TOUCHLINE here and with Ryan Moore on board must be fancied back in a conditions race instead of a Group 3.
Godolphin run two, SPERRY and PULCINELLA but I'm going with another Richard Hannon selection SHAGAH who is owned by the Arabs Al Shaqab Racing and has the in form Frankie Dettori in the saddle.
3.30 - 2m Sagaro Stakes (Group 3) - Last years winner TAC DU BOISTRON stands out on form, staying ability, and is proven first time out. [Non Runner]
Sir Michael Stoute knows the time of day and in all the write up his STOMACHION appears to be overlooked, should be forward enough for a reappearance and Ryan Moore a big plus. Is only a 5yo and improvement still possible over a longer trip, looks an each way price so will have a go in the place markets too.
4.05 - 6f Pavilion Stakes (Group 3) - A very competitive affair here but the stand out selection is the unbeaten LIMATO who excelled last term and really could be anything.
The likes of BEACON and HAWKESBURY look the pair to take on the fav here.
4.35 - 1m Paradise Stakes (Listed) - The interesting one here is the lightly raced ex-French INFANTRY, now with Andrew Balding and with a sire of Rail Link you know it's going to be a decent miler.
5.10 - 1m Apprentice Handicap - The finale is always the big handicap at this meeting but now it's confined to apprentices only, there were 16 declared but of course they've already scratched one so forget about having 4 places unless you using Betfair.
While you would want to take a second look at Luca Cumani's Saigon City it would seem that this one would prefer further, both DUELLING DRAGON and EXCHEQUER are the pair I would recommend versus the field and hopefully the prices will hold up to allow us to back them both.
Results will appear here during Wednesday evening, check out the Pontefract blog too which is also taking place today.
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