A midweek day out to Ascot this week, this is an annual event for us although numbers have sadly dwindled recently, 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.
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 but still has a 17 runner max field over the straight mile.
Here's a link to the days racecard;
http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/meeting/ascot/27-04-2016/fast-cards
There is a bit of a chill in the air and possible forecast for a drop of rain in the afternoon however we will have a fun day out come what may, it's the nearest local meeting to my birthday and always better than being at work.
Here are my selections for this meeting;
2.10 - 5f Conditions Stakes (2yo)
Our midweek event gets underway with a decent looking 2yo race over the minimum trip. Usually a race that Richard Hannon (Snr) would have a good one ready and his son runs a pair today. INNER CIRCLE / STERLING SILVER would have a shout but I really like the inclusion of the American trained filly CREATE A DREAM [WON 5/1] over from Wesley Ward's yard early for the summer.
2.45 - 1m Conditions Stakes (3yo Fillies)
A small field of five next for the mile conditions event, all three year old fillies and LIGHT UP OUT WORLD looks a short fav for the Hannon yard here too.
Has had a run earlier this year so fit and ready, and does seem to be well ahead on official ratings in this company. If anything can give her a race it seems to be RAAQY [2nd 7/1] if fit enough on season debut.
3.20 - 2m Sagaro Stakes (Group 3)
What is usually the feature race on the card now shares top billing with the Pavilion Stakes as the G3 contests here, this seems to be an excellent renewal with plenty of contenders for the Gold Cup including the useful FLYING OFFICER.
This John Gosden inmate won three last year and that included a Group 2 here, so assuming fit to go first time up (and was last year) must be backed with Frankie on his fav course too.
BURMESE also won here over 2m and looks a lively outsider trying to step up.
3.55 - 6f Pavilion Stakes (3yo) (Group 3)
Another cracking contest and it's interesting that Aiden O'Brien brings over WASHINGTON DC to contest this when there are options over in Ireland, should have a big following with Ryan Moore booked.
I've had a whisper for PRICELESS as one to follow so appeals here at 12/1 and is the one for me Win/Place.
4.30 - 1m Paradise Stakes (Listed)
AROD is the one to get back in the groove here, a great season was ended when tried in top company in Hong Kong and this should be more to his liking where a repeat of his Sussex Stakes run would be more than sufficient.
MOHEET should have a chance with Dettori booked.
5.00 - 1m Apprentice Handicap
17 here for the finale, all apprentices, SABRE ROCK was on excellent form but has been off more than a year, and all of those wins were on the AW.
BASTILLE DAY should go well for Adam McLean and has been apprentice ridden for most of his career.
Results will appear here during Wednesday evening, if I'm sober enough to update things then. But also check out the Pontefract blog too which is also taking place today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME !!
(for Saturday ... )
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