Warrior a winning chance again
Ascot, G2 TAB Touch Perth Cup, $400,000, 2400m
Spiritual Warrior (Blackfriars) won the Listed ATA S. at his most recent appearance and the step up in distance will be to his liking.
He has proved effective off a seven day back-up and looks a weight special as he drops 5.5kg on his last outing.
Taxagano (Rogano) is holding his form well with two wins from his last three appearances, including success in the Listed Towton S. He will also enjoy a healthy drop in weight and looks the type to be capable of excelling at this trip.
Star Exhibit
Star Exhibit (Statue Of Liberty {USA}) is a two-time winner of this race, but he won’t find this easy conceding every runner 5kg. His form had been patchy before his sound run for third in the G2 Van Heemst S. so he still deserves serious consideration.
British Bessy (Dick Turpin {Ire}) won well enough in a lower grade last time to suggest she’s not without a chance and both Arctic Stream (High Chaparral {Ire}) and Missile Launch (Smart Missile) are also both genuine stayers and prospects in an open affair.
Mare in hot form
Ascot, G3 Mrs Mac’s La Trice Classic, $150,000, 1800m
Snowchino (Maschino) has steadily improved this preparation and came off a placing in the Listed Jungle Dawn Classic to win the Listed Starstruck S. at her most recent appearance.
The 4-year-old is a noted frontrunner who steps up in trip for the first time and, if she gets her own way at the head of affairs again, she’ll take some catching.
Like A Butterfly (Blackfriars) finished runner-up to Snowchino at their last meeting and with the weights more in his favour should offer stern resistance while Perfect Jewel (Redoute’s Choice) has been mixing her form, but is capable of a turnaround.
Midnight Sky (Myboycharlie {Ire}) won well enough in lesser company last time out to be afforded a chance and Mizlecki (Lope De Vega {Ire}) boxed on well for third in the Starstruck and has to rate a chance at a share of the cheque.
Streak to continue
Ascot, Listed Furphy Summer Scorcher, $100,000, 1000m
Essential Spice (Gingerbread Man) has put together a tidy record and, following a break, successfully resumed over this course and distance last month for her fourth win on the bounce.
The Celt (Planet Five {USA}) was an upset winner of the G3 Scahill S. and had placed at Group level the previous appearance so he’s in the mix again and Fabergino (Machino) is resuming and is unbeaten in five first-up runs.
The Celt
Snow Lord (Universal Ruler) gave a decent account of himself in the G3 Colonel Reeves S. last time out and wouldn’t need to improve much to be a player. Rebel King (Universal Ruler) is proven at this level and he has won three times when produced off a break.
Fillies favoured
Launceston, Listed Ladbrokes Tasmanian Guineas, $100,000, 1600m
Mystical Pursuit (Needs Further) had trialled well before resuming and she impressed in her first-up victory over 1400 metres. She defeated Still A Star (Toronado {Ire}) and these two fillies look to have the edge on the boys.
Heaven’s Bonus (Toronado {Ire}) was third behind his female rivals last time out so he’s going to need to find a few lengths to turn that around and the same applies to fifth placegetter Argyle Beach (Purrealist).
An upset looks unlikely, but one for better value could be Speed Angel (Tough Speed {USA}). She was fifth when resuming and should be improved for the outing.
Brunton holds key
Launceston, Listed Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian S., $100,000, 1600m
Scott Brunton has a strong hand here with three runners and Mandela Effect (Turffontein) might be his best chance. The 5-year-old won at Flemington two runs back before a stakes placing.
Stablemate Hellova Street (Helike {USA}) has been sound in his last two runs while Count Da Vinci (NZ) (Faltaat {USA}) should strip a lot fitter for his resuming run.
Speed Force (Tough Speed {USA}) was below par last time, but his previous form was strong while Paion (Pierro) has been racing well in easier company and looks a place chance, despite being unsuited by the weight-for-age conditions.
Beauden top prospect
Awapuni, Listed Japac Homes Fasttrack Marton Cup, NZ$55,000, 2200m
Beauden (NZ) (Bullbars) goes up in weight, but shouldered 59kg last time out when he charged home late for third in the G1 Zabeel Classic. At his previous appearances he was successful on this course.
Darscape Princess (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was unplaced in the G1 Captain Cook S. when resuming and this is an easier assignment. She also has a strong second-up record while Cead Mile Failte (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is a progressive mare in hot form and a genuine lightweight hope.
Dezella (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) won three on the bounce before her third placing in the G3 Waikato Cup and on that effort will be ultra-competitive again. Toms (NZ) (Towkay) has been mixing his form, but at his best would be a live hope.
