We’ll get plenty of ‘Pinnacles Pointers’ at Ascot this Saturday with plenty of contenders stepping out in lead-up races.
The Fairetha Stakes for the three-year-old's looks a cracking event with some very progressive types engaged, while the Luckygray Stakes over 1800m will give racegoers a glimpse of what to expect heading into The Pinnacles and the Perth Cup.
The Lee Steere Stakes at Group 2 level is the feature event of the day with a number of household names engaged with the Railway Stakes only a fortnight away.
Don't miss any of the action from Ascot on Saturday, with live and free coverage on 7Plus and Racing WA.
Race 1: GLENROY CHAFF HANDICAP (2200m)
SIMPLY (1) has been a winning machine of late, bringing up the hat-trick by an impressive 3.3L at this track and trip. He drops in weight following the claim of Gaerth and he should lob in a handy position from the draw. Just needs to hold his form to be winning again. MANAVENDRA (3) bounced back last start behind Simply and now draws an inside barrier for Chris Parnham. He drops 1kg from the latest effort, but this is a different set up for him today. Has the class and he may be the one to turn the tables if anyone can. HEMLOCK STONE (2) was good behind Simply last start when running on from the back. He continues to raise the bar and if the speed is on today, he's sure to be strong late in the race. AFFLUENTIAL (5) creates plenty of interest here. He wasn't all that bad fresh over the mile and straight up to this trip is no issue. Pike's booking is worth noting.
Race 2: MAGIC MILLIONS PLATE (1100m)
TALKANCO (14) makes her debut today and has looked very impressive at the trials, winning by 4L running away in her most recent heat. Chris Parnham remains in the saddle from those efforts and she's a half-sister to the promising Richanco. Can make a winning start to her career. STRIDEAWAY (1) was far too good last start when running away with the victory after sitting off the speed. This looks a beautiful set up for her again today and the extra 100m won't pose an issue. Ticks plenty of boxes and can win again. HOLD MY WINE (2) jumped favourite in the race won by Strideaway and just faded late in proceedings there. He'll be better for that run and Pike remains in the saddle. Should be in this for a very long way. PURE MAC (8) is another who has looked good at the trials coming in and can be in the finish first-up. PEMBETON (3) was sound behind Strideaway on debut and now gets the blinkers on.
Race 3: TABtouch - WESTSPEED PLATINUM SERIES HEAT 2 (1200)
JANNY (9) just missed last start in a CL3 at Belmont, though she is trending the right way. She looks ready for a race like this and Pike engaged now is a big tick having been aboard for both of her wins thus far. Maps for a lovely run in transit and can improve again to get the job done. WICKED VENOM (5) missed in a photo finish over 1000m at Belmont 17 days ago and steps out to 1200m third-up into the campaign. He should have a lovely run in transit from gate four and he is a winner third-up in the past. Racing well and is sure to put his best foot forward. INDIE RULER (1) bumped into a smart one in a similar event 84 days ago and has been back to the trials twice since that effort. He's performed well there and he does go well fresh. The gear comes off him now and he'll take plenty of catching from out in front. KING CARTEL (3) disappointed over the mile 91 days ago and comes into this without a trial since that effort. Can feature in this suitable race along with CLIMB ON TOP (2).
Race 4: MCA POLYTRACK HANDICAP (1200m)
FIRST BEACH (9) looks a progressive type following an impressive win as favourite at Geraldton last time out over this trip. Now 27 days between runs, but the form out of his last start has stacked up well. Now gets Pike in the saddle and he can continue to progress through the grades. RICHANCO (4) was grabbed right on the post last start in a similar race 3 weeks ago when favourite. This looks to set up similarly from a wide alley, though Parnham remaining in the saddle is a positive sign. Can improve again now third-up and will take plenty of catching. LAST STYLEBENDER (12) couldn't hold on from the front in a similar race first-up a fortnight ago and now step out to this trip for the first time. He may need some luck from out wide, but he's trending the right way and he can put his best foot forward in this event. KING AKEED (10) maps for a beautiful run coming through the same race as Last Stylebender and he has to be included. AHYEAHRIGHTO (5) is racing well and won't be far away.
Race 5: WA RACEHORSE OWNERS' ASSOCIATION PLATE (1200m)
GENEROSITY (8) gets the blinkers off today following a 1.6L defeat last start over this course and distance. She still has some room for improvement based on prior ratings and now third-up into the campaign is the right time to strike. Likely to get back from the draw but watch for her flashing late. SONOFTHEBOSS (7) kept up well over 1000m last start and looks better suited to this journey today. He has the speed to offset the wide stall and he comes into this on the fresh side where he seems to perform best. Will prove tough to catch. DEAMBER (11) got a long way back but ran home strongly last start in what has proven a strong form race. Now draws inside and should be much closer in the run. Can land the knockout blow. HELL I AM (4) makes his WA debut today and trialled nicely coming into this. Can run a big race first-up. ANTIQUE MISS (5) is some niggle back to this trip, but gets Pike now and has plenty of class.
Race 6: LUCKYGRAY STAKES (180m)
The first of our features today and BUCKETS RIDGE (3) looks the one to beat off the Northam Cup victory. He was strong from the back there and he's anticipated to be even better as he steps out further in trip. Pike remains in the saddle and he's sure to be storming over the top of them late. DIAMOND SCENE (9) ran on well in the Asian Beau last week and is on the quick turnaround now. Out to this trip is a big tick and she maps for a lovely run under Steve Parnham. Can get back to his best now and that would see him right in the finish. FRIGID (11) wasn't far away behind Diamond Scene 28 days ago and is another who should appreciate the rise in trip. The draw is tricky, but she has class and her best form would see her go close to winning. IN GOOD ORDER (12) stuck on well in the Northam Cup and is expected to feature again. RED SUN SENSATION (14) loomed as the winner at Northam before peaking on the run late. Fitter now and will be in this for a long way.
Race 7: SEACORP - FAIRETHA STAKES (1400m)
Progressive colt SEPTEMBER BORN (5) was clearly the run of the race first-up in the Belgravia, coming from a mile back to finish just 0.3L off the winner. He draws out again, but he gets the blinkers on first time today and it's hard to see the horses who finished behind him turn the tables today. OLYMPIC PARK (7) is another who looks to possess some class, coming into this undefeated after a nice win last time out. This is much tougher, but he's untapped and has all the makings of a smart horse. Can put himself in the finish. HORCRUX (6) stuck on well in the Belgravia after doing plenty of work early. Draws a much better gate today and drops in weight this time out. Can be in this for a very long way. THE MERRYMAN (11) just missed in Open 3YO company last start and now gets Pike in the saddle from a good draw. Needs to improve but is open to doing just that. STREET BAND (3) was good late in the Belgravia and can improve now.
Race 8: PERTH RACING MEMBER APPRECIATION - LEE STEERE STAKES (1400m)
The Group 2 Lee Steere and ZIPAWAY (8) goes on top first-up. He didn't run last week, but lines up today from a beautiful alley and first-up figures good enough to feature in the finish. He's looked good at the trials coming into this and if he can pick up where he left off his 3YO campaign, he'll take beating. MAGNIFICENT ANDY (7) was very good from the back in the Eurythmic 21 days ago and draws the inside once again. He may need some luck from the draw, but he's in top order and if the breaks come, he's expected to be right in the finish. BUSTLER (2) was only fair first-up, but was a long way back and never really got into the race. This sets up much nicer for him today and it wouldn't surprise to see him right in the finish. SEARCHIN' ROC'S (11) goes well on the fresh side and while she has drawn out, her best is good enough to feature in a race like this. COMFORT ME (4) was too good in the Eurythmic first-up and has to be included.
Race 9: SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS HANDICAP (1400m)
Good race to finish. ELITE MISSILE (11) bring plenty of upside into this race following an impressive win in 3YO company 21 days ago. He is likely to be back from the draw again, but he returned with a new peak rating and with scope for further improvement. Can continue to work through the grades. SPEAK TO ME (8) is racing well this time in and steps up in grade slightly today, though he ticks plenty of boxes this time. Pike hops in the saddle from a much better barrier and he does have ratings good enough. Can make his presence felt. HARBIN (7) rattled home to just miss in the same race as Speak To Me last start and looks to be back on track. Will be flashing late and can go close if he holds his form. BONDI PLUNGE (9) is better than he's shown his past couple and getting back out in trip can suit. Can turn his form around. KESHI BOOM (1) has disappointed of late but will find this much easier today and can bounce back.
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