9. Be Optimistic – 11. Extorio – 12. Kempy Gold – 5. Vital Gem
January 17, 2026, Saturday
Ascot Selections & Staking Plan: Friday 2nd April
April 2, 2021
By Rylie Morgan
Good Friday racing at Ascot on what is a terrific card of racing! Let’s (hopefully) build a bank for Karrakatta Plate day tomorrow which is also a monster card of quality.
Race 1 – 12:20PM CROWN TOWERS HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
1. Allmamoney – 6. True Moon – 2. Powerful Force – 3. Warcidium
Race 2 – 12:55PM MUMM CHAMPAGNE MAIDEN (1500 METRES)
4. Big Screen – 3. American Grin – 5. Renegade Ruler – 9. Lady Of Babylon
Big Screen
Was far from disgraced last start when leading in a very high-rating 3YO 1000m hit-out. Has always looked a jump and roll type and maps to find the front with ease here and control out to a much more suitable distance. This is incredibly easier, comes here fitter with a run under the belt and on a day where it looks hard to run down those up on-speed, I’m very happy he goes on-top.
2 Units WIN
Race 3 – 1:30PM AMELIA PARK LODGE PLATE (1400 METRES)
Race 4 – 2:05PM SEPPELT WINES HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
3. Winsalot – 4. Main Engine – 5. Rock This Country – 1. Proceeds of Crime
Winsalot
War Chant gelding in super form and was given absolutely none by Whiting last start behind Special View and was a clear run of the race. The form around Temptacion and Fiery Bay from 2 starts back looks superb reading for this, and with some cover and a clear crack at them in the straight, really should be winning this. Stable in-form.
1.5 Units WIN
Race 5 – 2:40PM TABTOUCH BETTER YOUR BET HANDICAP (1800 METRES)
3. Koranis – 2. Unending – 4. Trisuem – 6. The Cat Ratcher
Race 6 – 3:15PM HEINEKEN 3 HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
6. Just A Pinch – 2. Lording – 3. Nurhaci – 8. Hariasa
Just A Pinch
Love that he’s 1st up here off a 400m jumpout which should keep the freshness in his legs. Has super form from last prep around Acromantula, Chantorque and Madam Torio, and although he will get back in the running, should be launching down the middle of the track late in a race that involves plenty of tempo.
1.5 Units WIN
Race 7 – 3:50PM MORLEY GROWERS MARKET HANDICAP (2200 METRES)
1. Red Hot Tip – 2. Queen Takes King – 16. The Escort – 4. Final Chill
Red Hot Tip
On paper his form may not read great, but his runs have been super. Gets out to an ideal staying trip here, we know he stays, and although he may be a touch underdone 1600-2200m, there doesn’t appear to be a lot of tempo here and if he can find the top or just sit in behind, is going to give you a great sight. Good race for him.
1 Unit EACH WAY
Race 8 – 4:25PM OLD COMRADE STAKES (1600 METRES)
6. Media Baron – 4. Arctic Stream – 3. Dig Deep – 1. Samizdat
Media Baron
He’s going super, and I have my question marks in regards to the mile for the two favourites. Has hit the line superb at his last 2, especially on that leaders biased Bunbury track, and should get a cushy run from the barrier 3 pairs back in a small field. Won this race last year, and feel he is a great chance of going back to back here. Can turn back the clock
0.7 Units WIN
Arctic Stream
Can’t ignore that super 1st up run in the Bunbury Stakes when charging to the line for 2nd from a mile back on a heavily unfavourable track. Can position up handier here and can’t go around without me.
0.5 Units WIN
Race 9 – 5:00PM MRS MAC’S HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
5. King’s Authority – 1. Crystal Spirit – 11. Zackariah Beau – 2. Masquerade
Staking Plan
Race 2 Big Screen 2 Units WIN
Race 4 Winsalot 1.5 Units WIN
Race 6 Just A Pinch 1.5 Units WIN
Race 7 Red Hot Tip 1 Unit EACH WAY
Race 8 Media Baron 0.7 Units WIN/Arctic Stream 0.5 Units WIN
8.2 Units Staked.
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