THE ASCOT Heath fixture sometimes has the feel of the morning after the night before, coming, as it does, at the end of some of the greatest races in Europe. But there is still some good quality racing and a most competitive look to virtually all the races.
The feature race of the day, the £30,000-added Ladbroke Handicap looks wide open, but there may be some value to be had with Conspicuous.
Gerald Cottrell has booked Michael Roberts for the ride after the gelding turned in a decent performance under the South African jockey at Epsom last time, when fourth behind Champagne Prince.
Gradually dropping down the weights, he seems to be running into form and this Alzao gelding Bill go well on the ground. In a race full of possibilities, Conspicuous looks a lair each-way bet.
The best bet of the day comes in the opening London Clubs Fern Hill Rated Stakes, where the Henry Cecil/Kieren Fallon combination can serve up another winner in the shape of Selfish and pull even further clear in the trainers' and jockeys' championships respectively.
Her defeat at Goodwood last time out burnt quite a few fingers as she was sent off a hot favourite and although leading inside the final furlong, Wasp Ranger battled back to pip her on the line.
Despite that four-runner race not being the greatest contest, the Bluebird filly's handicap rating reflects this. If she has progressed from that race, Selfish could well lose her maiden tag in this decent event.
At Redcar, John Dunlop's Hen Harrier makes the long trek north from her Arundel base and can be expected to run well in the Vaux Gold Tankard Handicap. Unlucky last time out at Lingfield behind Henley, she can confirm the promise of her victory at Ripon in April when she showed a superb turn of foot.
If getting a better run in this race, expect to see the filly produced late to be very close to the action at the finish.
As well as sending out Selhurstpark Flyer to win the Wokingham Stakes at the Royal meeting, Jack Berry has been mopping up the winners at the smaller tracks over the last week.
Berry can claim another prize today with Marylebone in the `Double Carpet' Rating Related Maiden Stakes.
