The staying race on a big day’s racing at Ascot is the Listed GA Towton Cup. Only a small field of seven take part but should be a competitive race.
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1. BATTLE EMBLEM – P Hall (1)
Well accounted for last start in the G1 Railway stakes and only held his ground at the start prior, the G3 RJ Peters Stakes (1500m) when 3.8 lengths behind Maschino. Get’s a distance where he has been competitive in the past including a fourth in Centenary Cup (2300m) and, as he is today, generally produces his best fourth ran into a prep.
Odds: $18.00
2. MOONLIGHT BAY – W Pike (6)
Coming off a good win last start, where she claimed the Listed Tatt’s Cup over this track and trip, over Starlight Lady and Malaika a fortnight ago That followed a good third in the Ascot Gold Cup behind Pop Culture (who is entered in the G1 Kingston Town) and Rosie Rocket (who ran 3rd in the Railway Stakes) so there is no doubting the form she’s in. She looks hard to beat.
Odds: $2.70
3. BRIDGESTONE – B Parnham (7)
He has finished behind Moonlight Bay at both of his recent starts, those being a seventh (beaten 3.3 lengths) in the Ascot Gold Cup and fifth (beaten 3.8 lengths) in the Tatt’s Cup two weeks back. Got back last start and was tightened a little in the run home. Meets Moonlight Bay 1.5kgs better for that but even with that advantage, can’t see him turning the tables.
Odds: $9.00
4. CLASSY CLAN – D Miller (5)
Drew the widest gate two starts back, got caught wide and weakened in the run home in a RST 72 (1800m). Much better last start and closed well from the tail to finish fifth (beaten 1.8 lengths) behind Smart Twister. Step up in class will more than likely find him out here though.
Odds: $61.00
5. GLOBAL FLIRT – M Pate (4)
No need to question this bloke’s fitness as he’ll be lining up for his tenth start this time in and will be having his third start in as many weeks but, he seems to be thriving on the work given his last two winning starts. He won at Pinjarra (carrying 60kgs) and last week here at Ascot under the steadier of 57.5kgs. Drops to 54kgs today and might be considered a rough chance.
Odds: $3.30
6. GOOSE – W White (2)
Had a six week break after going a miss in the Kalgoorlie Cup as 2/1 fav and returned with a 3.5 length tenth and followed that up at his latest start with a fifth (beaten 3.4 lengths) behind Full Reign last week. Gets back up to his right distance and looks the likely leader. If he can produce his best, he’ll be involved in the finish.
Odds: $6.00
7. MALAIKA – R Hill (3)
She’s been a model of consistency of late including a fourth behind Pop Culture (Moonlight Bay 3rd) in the Ascot Gold Cup and then got to within a neck of Moonlight bay last start in the Tatt’s Cup. Meet’s Moonlight Bay 1.5kgs better for last start and that, combined with the sweet run she should get in transit, it may be enough to reverse the result.
Odds: $6.00
SUMMARY
Goose leads and in a small field, might get the opportunity to set his own terms. I’ll be sticking with the in-form pairing of Moonlight Bay and Malaika. There is not much between them and who goes on top will depend on the price.
