NZ - Ascot - Race 8

Thoroughbred

15 Runners

Benchmark

Turf

GOOD 4

10.5K

VIEW

Verdict

DINK (3) close-up in all three starts for this stable since coming down from the North Island. Ran on well to just miss after racing wide in midfield last start at Wingatui. Take beating in this form. THE COOL ONE (2) has improved with each run this prep and he fought hard for 4th at Timaru last start. Wide draw some concern this time. MAXIMUS AUGUSTUS (1) races well here with 2 wins and 3 placings from 9 starts. Has won first-up and usually races up on the speed. Keep safe here. WOODLANDS (6) got well back and loomed on the turn but battled from here on the heavy track at Gore last week. Has placed 3 of 5 on soft and both starts this track and trip. Consider. SMALL TOWN BELLE (10) no luck last week at Gore when checked a couple of times back on the rail and held up on the turn. Don't dismiss.

numberFire Picks

Horse Stats

#/Silk	Horse#/Horse	Power Rating	High Speed	Win %	Top 3%	Win Prob	Odds
3	Racing well recently. Most recently made some head-way from midfield, 2nd of 14 at Wingatui on October 2 over 7f, on a wet track, 0.1 len behind Shooting Stride carrying 119lbs at $5.40. The race before that 4th of 14 at Phar Lap Racecourse on September 23 over 6f, on a slow track, 6 len behind Timetoplaythegame carrying 125lbs at $5.70. Big chance with a repeat of the latest effort. 1st Pick 3 Dink Jockey: Ashlee Strawbridge Trainer: Robert Dennis J: Ashlee Strawbridge T: Robert Dennis	165	-	-	-	31%	9/4
Analysis Racing well recently. Most recently made some head-way from midfield, 2nd of 14 at Wingatui on October 2 over 7f, on a wet track, 0.1 len behind Shooting Stride carrying 119lbs at $5.40. The race before that 4th of 14 at Phar Lap Racecourse on September 23 over 6f, on a slow track, 6 len behind Timetoplaythegame carrying 125lbs at $5.70. Big chance with a repeat of the latest effort.
2	Returns from a 29-day let-up. Last start 4th of 14 at Phar Lap Racecourse on September 23 over 1m, on a slow track, 1.5 len behind Yoo Hoo Joy carrying 129lbs at $14.70. The start before that 5th of 8 at Wingatui on September 4 over 6f, on heavy track, 6 len behind Hollyhockaroo carrying 130lbs at $7.10. Rates highly on best form and gets his chance to feature. 2nd Pick 2 The Cool One Jockey: Donovan Cooper Trainer: Robert Dennis J: Donovan Cooper T: Robert Dennis	105	-	-	-	14%	13/2
Analysis Returns from a 29-day let-up. Last start 4th of 14 at Phar Lap Racecourse on September 23 over 1m, on a slow track, 1.5 len behind Yoo Hoo Joy carrying 129lbs at $14.70. The start before that 5th of 8 at Wingatui on September 4 over 6f, on heavy track, 6 len behind Hollyhockaroo carrying 130lbs at $7.10. Rates highly on best form and gets his chance to feature.
1	Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four months. Finished off last preparation eighth of 11 at Wingatui June 28 over 7f, on heavy track, 6 len behind Proudtobehere carrying 126lbs at $7. Previously first up, second last of 12 at Riccarton Park September 27 2025 over 1m, 6 len behind Show Pony carrying 128lbs at $26.70. Top hope. 3rd Pick 1 Maximus Augustus Jockey: Daniel Bothamley Trainer: Bill Mcnamara J: Daniel Bothamley T: Bill Mcnamara	149	-	-	-	10%	10/1
Analysis Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four months. Finished off last preparation eighth of 11 at Wingatui June 28 over 7f, on heavy track, 6 len behind Proudtobehere carrying 126lbs at $7. Previously first up, second last of 12 at Riccarton Park September 27 2025 over 1m, 6 len behind Show Pony carrying 128lbs at $26.70. Top hope.

Upcoming Races

Horse Racing Basic Terms

State-Bred

A horse bred in a particular state and thus eligible to race in restricted state-bred races. These can be anything from maiden races to stakes events.

Condition Book

A list of upcoming races issued by the racing secretary, where the conditions of races to be run over the next few weeks are written.

Firm

A dry turf course, equal to a ‘fast’ dirt track.