AU - Ascot - Race 8

Thoroughbred

15 Runners

10.9f

OPEN

Turf

SOFT 5

82.5K

VIEW

Verdict

The first of the features now and GRAND PIERRO (3) gets the nod. While he doesn't win out of turn, he's taken on some strong company in the east, including a 2.4L defeat in the Moonee Valley Cup just 2 starts ago. That form looks strong for a race of this calibre and he can get back to winning ways. FOREVER BOY (10) has drawn wide, though he has the early speed to roll across in a race that looks to lack tempo. He's unbeaten third-up and CJP riding is a good push for his chances. Too good as favourite last time out and he can make a strong Perth Cup bid in this. BUCKETS RIDGE (1) turned in a much better run in the Scahill where he stuck on nicely over 1 5/16m. Again draws to be handy to the speed under Egan and he can land the knockout blow today. CAPTAIN PLUTO (2) had every chance last time out when beaten in the Scahill. He has class however and can't be discounted. DEMOLISH (6) has been super in Railway lead ups and now gets to his preferred trip. Keep safe.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
3	Last start 8th of 12 at Newcastle in the LR Beauford on November 15 over 1 7/16m, 4.5 len behind Asterix with 120lbs at $6. The start before that 5th of 11 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 24 over 1/16m, 2.5 len behind Onesmoothoperator with 123lbs at $14. Brings strong form from VIC across and looks well placed. 1st Pick 3 Grand Pierro Jockey: Steven Parnham Trainer: Jason Warren J: Steven Parnham T: Jason Warren	88	-	-	-	8%	12/1
Analysis Last start 8th of 12 at Newcastle in the LR Beauford on November 15 over 1 7/16m, 4.5 len behind Asterix with 120lbs at $6. The start before that 5th of 11 at Moonee Valley in the G2 Mv Cup on October 24 over 1/16m, 2.5 len behind Onesmoothoperator with 123lbs at $14. Brings strong form from VIC across and looks well placed.
10	Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming ran on from midfield, 3rd of 12 at this track Rtg 72+ on November 15 over 1m, 0.5 len behind Asphalt with 122lbs at $3.90. Last start favourite, won by 0.6 len at this track Rtg 72+ November 29 over 1m defeating Hoba West carrying 122lbs at $2.45. Racing well. A gelding on the way up who can cross from out wide and give a bold sight. 2nd Pick 10 Forever Boy Jockey: Clint Johnston-Porter Trainer: Michael Grantham J: Clint Johnston-Porter T: Michael Grantham	169	-	-	-	23%	7/2
Analysis Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming ran on from midfield, 3rd of 12 at this track Rtg 72+ on November 15 over 1m, 0.5 len behind Asphalt with 122lbs at $3.90. Last start favourite, won by 0.6 len at this track Rtg 72+ November 29 over 1m defeating Hoba West carrying 122lbs at $2.45. Racing well. A gelding on the way up who can cross from out wide and give a bold sight.
1	Last start 3rd of 14 at this track in the LR Aj Scahill on November 22 over 1 5/16m, 0.5 len behind Simply carrying 128lbs at $14. The start before that ran last of 13 at this track in the LR Luckygray on November 8 over 1m, 6 len behind Captain Pluto carrying 130lbs at $31. Better run last start and this shapes very similarly. 3rd Pick 1 Buckets Ridge Jockey: Billy Egan Trainer: Grant & Alana Williams J: Billy Egan T: Grant & Alana Williams	165	-	-	-	12%	8/1
Analysis Last start 3rd of 14 at this track in the LR Aj Scahill on November 22 over 1 5/16m, 0.5 len behind Simply carrying 128lbs at $14. The start before that ran last of 13 at this track in the LR Luckygray on November 8 over 1m, 6 len behind Captain Pluto carrying 130lbs at $31. Better run last start and this shapes very similarly.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

Blinkers

A hood worn on a horse’s head to limit side vision, which can improve concentration. Blinkers are added or removed to relax a horse or give it more focus.

Minus Pool

A pari-mutuel pool – typically a show pool - where one horse is so heavily bet that after deductions there is not enough money left to cover the prescribed minimum on each bet.

Maiden Race

A race exclusively for horses who have not previously won.