14:35 Ascot

Friday 6 October 2017

All14:0014:3515:1015:4516:2016:55

Neptune Investment Management Classified Stakes (Str)

Off time: 14:37 | Winning time: 1m 44.80s

(9)

Heaven's Guest²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: P Hanagan| T: R A Fahey| OR: 90| C

8/1

Better class than this at best, and looked to be on the way back to form with a good third in a big field handicap here last time. Question mark is the trip, as best form is a 7f, and that is a big concern. On that, others preferred.

Form: 070003

(2)

One Word More^h⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 9-3| J: Rachel Richardson⁽³⁾| T: T D Easterby| OR: 87| D

8/1

Another that is slightly better class than this at his best, but recent efforts have been less than encouraging and four runs at Ascot have yielded little. Makes only minimal appeal here.

Form: 405057

(12)

Pastoral Player¹⁵

Age: 10| Weight: 9-3| J: Charlie Bennett⁽³⁾| T: H Morrison| OR: 88| C

33/1

Well into the veteran stage but hasn't been running at all badly this summer. However, best form has come at shorter trips than today's, and that means he's a risky proposition here.

Form: 6-22614

(7)

Storm Ahead^p²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: Hayley Turner| T: M P Tregoning| OR: 90| D

9/2

Has run with admirable consistency this season and deserves a win for his efforts. Trip and likely ground here ideal and ran right up to form when second to Leader Writer over C&D last time out. Looks sure to play a major part in this.

Form: 4-84502

(4)

Taurean Star²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: J P Spencer| T: M L W Bell| OR: 89| CD

12/1

Does have a couple of good efforts to his name at the track, and come from behind style well suited to this jockey as well. Poor run at Leicester last time needs forgiving (ground possibly too soft) but that aside, holds chances here.

Form: 55-1096

(8)

Zwayyan^b1²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-3| J: L Dettori| T: W J Haggas| OR: 90| D

11/4

Still seems to be going the right way if his fourth at Haydock last time is to be believed, and the generous 1lb drop he got for that means he gets in here with an excellent chance. Needs some rain to show his best, and may go well if it comes.

Form: 5-01344

(6)

Golden Goal³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Paddy Bradley⁽⁵⁾| T: S bin Suroor| OR: 89| D

3/1

Winner of three of his four starts, all at Chelmsford, just about got hom over this trip last time but had looked happier at 7f previously. Questions to answer switched to turf but an unknown quantity and could be dangerous.

Form: 1161

(1)

Native Soldier^p²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: Daniel Muscutt| T: J L Flint| OR: 76| BF| D

66/1

Little to recommend after a series of moderate efforts in lesser company than this, and no realistic chance here.

Form: 680140

(3)

Summer Icon²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: G Lee| T: M R Channon| OR: 90

33/1

Every chance on the figures but in truth, her runs this season have left plenty to be desired. On the plus side, best run this year came at this trip (when fifth at York) and reproduction of that would take her close. Clearly risky though.

Form: 605704

(10)

Zain Star³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-0| J: J F Egan| T: J Butler| OR: 81

33/1

Only had the three starts and definite signs of promise on two of them, both on the A/W surface at Kempton. Trip clearly fine but a bit to find on the figures, so needs improvement, and on balance, may find this too tough.

Form: 924

(11)

Sibilance²¹

Age: 3| Weight: 8-11| J: P J Dobbs| T: R M Beckett| OR: 90| D

16/1

Takes a big drop in class here after being outclassed in a Group 3 at Doncaster but she's not yet rediscovered her improved form from the spring. Possible this easier company will help, but she comes with risks now. Others preferred.

Form: 1-1300

Non-Runners

(5)

Alejandro²⁰

Weight: 9-3| Age: 8

T: D Loughnane J: Tom Marquand

Forecasts

Zwayyan (11/4), Golden Goal (3/1), Storm Ahead (9/2), One Word More (8/1), Heaven's Guest (8/1), Taurean Star (12/1), Alejandro (14/1), Sibilance (16/1), Summer Icon (33/1), Pastoral Player (33/1), Zain Star (33/1), Native Soldier (66/1)

Over seven furlongs Heavens Guest would have been the natural selection here but this trip stretches his stamina to the limit and he may be vulnerable late on. Golden Goal will be a big danger if he proves as effective on turf but preference is for STORM AHEAD who has ideal conditions here and should go well. Zwayyan may be the danger, especially if the heavens open to any great degree.