13:50 Ascot – Dazzling Dan
DAZZLING DAN has not quite had the rub of the green so far this term and surprisingly has been dropped 5lb by the handicapper, which looks very generous.
After a slow start at Newbury, he never got into any rhythm and ran keenly in the early stages. That means the run can be upgraded and Adam Kirby taking over in the saddle for Pam Sly’s runner is a plus.
14:25 Ascot – Via Serendipity
For whatever reason VIA SERENDIPITY has switched stables and finds himself in the care of Charlie Fellowes. He is dangerously well handicapped on the turf and also has shown a clear liking for the track at Ascot.
Our pilot Hayley Turner knows him well, so I expect he’ll be played late inside the final furlong to use his finishing kick.
15:00 Ascot – Australis
AUSTRALIS is a big, powerful, staying type from a top outfit, who are thankfully giving him a little time to fill out his frame and strengthen.
He’s taken a bit of a hike in the ratings since his run in the Northumberland Plate a few weeks ago, but he looks comfortably a triple digit-rated runner in the making. Lots of these have regularly beaten each other, whereas the selection is clearly still on the upward curve.
15:35 Ascot – Caradoc
I’m still following CARADOC over a cliff hanging onto his tail, even allowing for the fact that he was mightily disappointing last time at York.
This is a step up in trip with the intention of unlocking a little bit more improvement from him. I still believe that he is a Group race performer further down the line, but he’s in the last chance saloon now though.
14:05 Haydock – Veracious
VERACIOUS is the class act of the field and makes her reappearance off a 294-day absence.
Her record off a break is not fantastic, however she looks the clear class act in the line-up. Having had a wind operation, she surely is going to take a world of beating.
14:40 Haydock – Extra Elusive
EXTRA ELUSIVE only has a length to find with the red-hot favourite Global Giant and Frankie Dettori on their Newbury running.
Given that the yard are in much better form now, we can expect an improved display and Hollie Doyle has just taken over as the new retained rider for Imad Alsagar. That combination can prove profitable in the coming months.
15:20 Newmarket – Fly Miss Helen
FLY MISS HELEN looked very good when winning her debut race at Newbury with the minimum of fuss, despite not being fully wound up for that effort.
She is bound to take a massive step forward from that run and there is no surprise that she takes a significant jump up in grade. She’s higher up the pecking order of her trainer’s runners in this division and has a big chance.
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Jason Weaver’s tips summary:
13:50 Ascot – Dazzling Dan
14:25 Ascot – Via Serendipity
15:00 Ascot – Australis
15:35 Ascot – Caradoc
14:05 Haydock – Veracious
14:40 Haydock – Extra Elusive
15:20 Newmarket – Fly Miss Helen
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