We’ll be cheering Hardrada in Melbourne and at 3.50pm all eyes on Northerly’s trial, but there are 8 winners at Ascot, here are a few thoughts…..(and good to see P Harvey back)..Rail 12m!

R2 – Slightly different to General Gym's assessments but it's an open race. No standout selection so chances are … Miss Torpago apparently in season when scratched last week. Must beat Metal Maiden at the weights and might settle outside lead, just may need this run. Dedicated Miss been unlucky/in season/wide last couple. Shes Captivating has to be there somewhere and less traffic to get through today. I'll play this race if Time Is Money is shortish, a risk to me.

R3 – Bonnie Brae might take a sit behind the improving Island Temptress. I think Halopak is very well weighted on its best and sure to get a soft run, maybe settle a touch closer. Bonnie Brae can win as well. Bronze City has a 6.5kg pull over Polish Edition for 1.3 len defeat 2 sts ago and raced well 1st run over 1600m last start.

R4 – 2 main chances for me are 3 Warning Tune or 4 Kingston Blaze. (1 Money is Magic is the other hope but needs things his way back in the field. No to My True Choice). Maybe Warning Tune(on the up) to lead Kingston Blaze(big run 2sts ago). I’ll go 3 to beat 4 in a good race.

R5 – be careful, 6 are resuming, 4 are 2nd-up.

R6 – Good clash. With JClaite back on, look to Comeback Kid racing a little further back and suiting it, just needs to slot in somewhere. Last start was very good on pace effort. Poliwhirl gave Comeback Kid windburn last 100m last start but up to 56.5kg now and the Kid is cherry ripe.. Argentina could go forward this time and put in much improved run.

R7 – 30k 3YOF Classic. Owner’s dream is Femme. 14 sts, 124k prizemoney. Today up 2kg & 100m on last start will test her. I’ll go 3 Market Wrap to overhaul her. Landed good plunge last start and improving every run. I’ll risk Moon Talk which could settle outside Femme, the first starters could be up there as well. Also risk Miss Belhus and it’s Jessica Roesler’s first ride in town.

R8 – 2sts ago Super Moss ran 4th in the 2400m Cox Stakes. Do we base his chances on this run? I’m not but I could be wrong. It’s an ugly race to end the day. Tango Man(4th bar.1 in row!)will at least have a soft run to produce his best. Charming Story is race and distance fit. Party Boy with blinkers off is down to lightest weight in ages, rough rough hope.

Top day to all.


[ This Message was edited by: red on 2003-02-01 07:40 ]