Yesterday’s Review

1pt e/way Photosynthesis (104) – Punters have been asking Clerks of the Courses to water less for many years, in order for going to be on the quick side of good on a regular basis. Unfortunately, these requests have usually fallen on deaf ears, as this would reduce the number of runners on racedays. As we know the more runners the more profits for racetracks. It has been accepted by most punters that despite BHA directives to Clerks to aim for going as close to Good To Firm as possible that most tracks usually aim for going closer to Good, and in the case of Chester more likely on the slow side of Good.

Unfortunately, Ascot provided ground that was much faster than it normally does, and any punter that handicapped yesterday’s card with the advertised going of Good To Firm (Good in places)(Watered) in mind, thinking that times would be close to standard was sorely mistaken. Following the first two races which were 7 lengths per mile and 19 lengths per mile faster than standard the going was quickly changed to Good To Firm.

The six furlong track record went next in Race 4 with Get It stopping the clock in 1.10.48 breaking Blue Point’s track record of 1.11.05 which has stood for eight years. By the time the day was over, I had the straight track going allowance at fast by 11.7 lengths or 0.29 seconds/furlong. A moderate wind, half behind was recorded by the Racing Post which may have helped the runners slightly, but this looks like a case where the course has been caught out and not put enough water down to provide a surface close enough to standard which it has been doing on a regular basis for many, many years.

Plenty of runners on the card will have been unsuited by the conditions, and our selection may have been one of them. Conditions were 3 lengths per mile faster than standard at Newbury when he made his reappearance, and this surface which was 8 lengths faster per mile may not have suited as he didn’t have the pace to challenge coming home in fifth place. Indeed, the same could be said of favourite Akkadian Thunder who hung left-handed and finished a well beaten seventh.

1pt e/way Corolla Point (98) – A similar story here with the selection well backed into 11/4 favourite, but finding very little when asked for more on the quicker surface, coming home a well beaten eighth.

1pt win Niminy Piminy (91) – Another case of which horse handled conditions best, and although travelling well into the race it was a case of another favourite flopping. She will remain of interest on a kinder surface.

1pt win Bulletin (95) – The selection looked to be coming with a challenge two furlongs from home, but weakened inside the final furlong. A softer surface would have benefited the son of Advertise.

1pt win Elana Osario (106) – A fine ride by Colin Keane who was patient when he couldn’t get the position he wanted early doors. He made headway over two furlongs from home before taking up the running over a furlong out, and holding off the challenge of Navy Waters (105). The market had the betting wrong on this event when opening up the night before, and thankfully there was enough left in the price in the morning to get involved. Result 1st 5/2 adv..8/15F SP (Rule 4 15c)

Today’s Advice

TEN POUNDS (7f Hcap) – This lightly raced four-year-old should appreciate today’s conditons better than most as he has a real fast ground action looking at his win at Leicester from last  season on Good to Firm going. He won nicely on seasonal debut from Fifty Nifty at Newmarket having made the running against the near side rail. He looks the type to be interested in for today’s (2.40) Ascot as one of the more unexposed types.

Trainer Harry Charlton has had some nice winners at today’s venue since taking up the trainer’s licence on his own with Hand Of God winning at Royal Ascot last season, and Blue Day winning a Class 4 handicap last month. Jockey Trevor Whelan has yet to ride a winner at Ascot from 32 rides, but has gone close twice with Documenting in 2021, and Temporize in 2023.

0.75pt e/way Ten Pounds (15/2 William Hill/Unibet, 7/1 General 5 places) 2.40 Ascot