ASCOT RACES SAGARO STAKES MEETING - WEDNESDAY 2nd MAY 2018. (MY BIRTHDAY MEETING)

A midweek day out to Ascot this week to celebrate another birthday, been coming here for many years now on this particular meeting although numbers have sadly dwindled recently, but to celebrate my advancing years we decamp to Ascot races for their midweek fixture featuring the Ascot Gold Cup trial the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes. 

Today's race card is good quality for a midweek meeting albeit small fields as usual in the opening contests. We are delighted to have two Group three contests with the feature Sagaro Stakes over 2m and the Pavilion Stakes a 6f contest for 3yo's along along with another listed event the Paradise Stakes over the mile. In recent years the fields have been small and although the opening two races have only attracted just four runners in each the rest of the card is apart par compared to previous renewals. 

Here's a link to the days racecard;
https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/fast-cards/65077/2018-05-02/ascot

The forecast going is described as Good to Soft, Soft in places. 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 afternoons meeting;

2.00 - 5f Conditions Stakes (2yo) 
Our midweek event gets underway with a five furlong sprint for two year olds and we are disappointing by the small field of only four runners though not that surprised as they include a likely odds on favourite with the Aiden O'Brien inmate THE IRISH ROVER running here under Ryan Moore. 

The lack of depth makes finding an alternative for both the win and the placepot will be at risk in the first two. Would have to think that Richard Hannon (who used to farm this race in his fathers day) would have plenty to have selected from and goes with his filly SPELL who is making her debut but received a handy 5lb. 

The other pair of Getchagetchagetcha and the other filly Vikivaki make up the field. 

2.35 - 1m Conditions Stakes (3yo Fillies)
Another poor turnout with just the four again this time 3yo fillies in the line up and an even shorter looking market leader here in DATHANNA. Might have to give this a miss from a betting perspective and the placepot is going to be skipped too with a pair of odds on shots in the openers. 

Again Richard Hannon might be the most likely alternative and I'll have a wager on his RED STARLIGHT, who will be supported further if his other filly wins the opener. Previous Lingfield winner Golden Iris and Agrotera make up the field. 

3.10 - 2m Sagaro Stakes (Group 3)
A few more runner for our feature race, but not many more, with just six stayers being declared. Perhaps its the rain and soft ground that stops this being more competitive, though why some more of the NH trainers don't put one in I don't really know, it's a good prize up for grabs. Jessica Harrington sends over TORCEDOR from Ireland and has been here before in the Gold Cup at the Royal meeting and runner up in October too so should be capable of a bold showing. 

Mark Johnston is a man to be feared when sending his horses down south and has a big chance with TIME TO STUDY as he's got Ryan Moore booked too and while a few pounds off the best of these, has had a run this year last month (runner up at Musselbrough on heavy) and the small field might help plus proven on soft/heavy ground.

3.45 - 6f Pavilion Stakes (3yo) (Group 3)
At last a field of eight (assuming they all stand their ground) and headed by FIGHTING IRISH who is a multiple winner including over in France, a winner on soft going and has had a seasonal opener last month so could be very interesting here at 16/1 if they all line up. 

The really interesting one here is SOUND AND SILENCE who was good enough last year to be sent over for the Breeders Cup meeting and didn't fair too badly, this is a lot easier and the only small doubt is soft ground but that probably applies to most. 

4.20 - 1m Paradise Stakes (Listed)
And another field of eight declared for the listed event over the mile, where VICTORY BOND will be popular for another win having been busy already this year on the all weather which included a win at the AW Championship meeting over Easter. 

Also of interest is CENTURY DREAM, a winner of 4 out of 5 races towards the end of last season and includes winning form on soft ground which is a big plus today. 

4.55 - 1m Apprentice Handicap
Easily the biggest field of the meeting as always and 20 here for the finale, all apprentices, often hard to know what form they will be in and not usually a race I make a point of betting in. However, if you got 5 winners and need this for the jackpot/placepot you might do worse than throwing in the Mark Johnston trained ABAREEQ.

Wide open really and do remember BALMORAL CASTLE winning this off top weight one year so supporting that one for no other reason about 20/1. 

Good luck today.
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 !! 

(well, it was on Monday 49 years young and counting)