Friday's UK racing tips come your way from Ascot on 6 October 2023.
ASCOT
Race 1 – FINAL WATCH 9/2
An open-looking amateur riders contest where FINAL WATCH (3) may prove value. The Mukhadram gelding won this race last year under Ross Birkett racing off just 1lbs higher while shaped nicely tackling 7f when staying on into fourth at Sandown a month ago. Consider.
It is impossible to ignore the claims of the in-form KIMNKATE (6) who was an excellent second over course and distance off this mark last time.
CANOODLED (5) would be firmly in the mix on form shown when finishing third at Haydock (7f) on her penultimate outing. FARO DE SAN JUAN (8) could feature.
Race 2 – SCENIC 5/4
SCENIC (7) is an Ed Walker trained filly who sets a decent standard. Though yet to win in eight starts replicating her narrow defeat to an unbeaten rival at Salisbury could suffice.
CAMARRATE (1) won over 1 ½m at Kempton on his second start and looks the chief threat under a penalty.
Fellow penalised runner JUANA INES (2) might also be of interest having won nicely at Clairefontaine (France) for previous connections. Worth noting if strong in the betting on stable debut. SYLLABUS (5) makes for each-way appeal.
Race 3 – FLORIDA 28/10
A tight-knit classified event where three-year-olds could the be ones to concentrate on. FLORIDA (8) is trained by William Haggas. Went well since being fitted with the tongue-tie and can follow up his recent 1m York handicap success with further improvement possible.
JEFF KOONS (9) could also have plenty more to give and a bold bid looks likely after a neck second in a 1 ¼m Class Three handicap here.
HICKORY (2) placed on both outings at this venue. Hard to rule out after a good third behind a progressive runner over 7f here in latest. Last start course and distance winner DAYSOFOURLIVES (7) must be considered.
Race 4 – NAQEEB 17/10
It could pay to side with the progressive NAQEEB (3) who is a well-bred son of Nathaniel. Looked a different prospect since stepping up in distance and can complete a hat-trick by following up his comfortable Haydock (1 ¾m) handicap success.
CHESSPIECE (1) and MIDDLE EARTH (2) are the obvious dangers as they drop considerably in grade having finished sixth and seventh in the G1 St Leger Stakes at Doncaster on their respective previous outings.
The former has more substance to his form and is expected to confirm placings over the latter who does remain unexposed. LMAY (6) completes the shortlist.
Race 5 – SEA STONE 2/1
SEA STONE (3) missed out on a hat-trick when third at Southwell in latest though it remained a rock-solid effort as would have finished a touch closer with a clearer passage. Set for a return to winning ways back on turf off an unchanged mark.
The course at Lingfield AW wouldn’t have played to the strengths of ART DE VIVRE (8) last start as the Charlie Fellowes trained gelding looked an out-and-out galloper when finding success at Thirsk.
May do better back at a track like Ascot. Stablemate EL JASOR (5) could rediscover form removing cheekpieces worn when disappointing in latest. OCEANLINE (4) cannot be discounted.
Race 6 – ROHAAN 28/10
Top-weight ROHAAN (1) hasn’t scored since winning here around this time last year. Did appear ready for a return to winning ways when seventh in the Ayr Gold Cup (6f) thirteen days ago and stall eighteen could prove favourable in this contest.
A further 2lbs drop in weights makes him well-handicapped over his preferred course and distance. Consider.
Fellow previous track and trip winner MITROSONFIRE (14) might go close on the back of a good second to a front-runner tackling 7f at Sandown last-time-out.
KING’S LYNN (2) shaped nicely when sixth in the Portland Handicap at Doncaster and must be respected down 2lbs in the weights. Others to note in this competitive affair include TIGER CRUSADE (11) and SILVER SAMURAI (9).
