Ascot Sunday Preview & Selections

Race 1: QUAYCLEAN MAIDEN (1200m)

The pace here looks genuine with Call Me Frosty likely to push forward from the wide gate to negate the draw. This horse has been knocking on the door with four minor placings from six starts. He’s the class runner here, but the map is tricky. The main danger is Bassett Hound, who showed plenty of grit when third over 1100m last start. He is second-up now and should have the fitness edge to stay on. If Xelcimus can jump cleanly, he’s the map horse from an inside trail, though he often finds one better.

• Recommended Bet: High (2 Units) - Call Me Frosty (Est. $2.80)

• Mini Table:

Framed Market (105%):

Call Me Frosty $2.70, Bassett Hound $4.20, Xelcimus $6.50, Arno River $9.00, Others $15+.

Race 2: SHARE BETS WITH TABTOUCH HANDICAP (1000m)

This is a battle of the "Bent" and the "Kissinger." Who’s Bent is the one to beat here. While he’s carrying a grandstand with 61.5kg, the 3kg claim for Giaan O’Donnell brings him back to a very competitive 58.5kg. He was unlucky to be picked off late last start and the 1000m is his sweet spot. Mr Kissinger is the immediate threat; he’s 2nd-up and has a win at this distance. He’ll be stalking the pace and has Johnston-Porter in the irons, which is usually a recipe for a payout.

• Recommended Bet: Best Bet (3 Units) - Who’s Bent (Live Price $3.10)

• Mini Table:

Framed Market (105%):

Who's Bent $2.50, Mr Kissinger $3.80, Ripper Farooq $7.00, Setagaya $12.00, Others $20+.

Race 3: WITTENS IRRIGATION & DESIGN HANDICAP (1500m)

The Crimson Pirate is a punter's nightmare or a place-getter's dream, depending on your outlook. With six seconds from seven starts, he defines "consistency" (or "reluctance to win"). However, this is a very thin Class 1. He draws perfectly in gate 4 and Lucy Fiore knows him well. This is his chance to break the maiden status in a Class 1. Moonwalk is the saver; second-up and with William Pike taking the ride, the market will likely overreact, but the horse has the ratings to win this if the favorite finds another way to run second.

• Recommended Bet: High (2 Units) - The Crimson Pirate (Est. $2.20)

• Mini Table:

Framed Market (105%):

The Crimson Pirate $2.10, Moonwalk $4.50, Watto's Warrior $8.00, Space Ace $10.00, Others $18+.

Race 4: SWAN DRAUGHT HANDICAP (1200m)

Magical Sequence is the standout here. Jason Miller has this mare humming, and she’s chasing a hat-trick. While she’s up in class, her win at Pinjarra Scarpside was authoritative. William Pike sticks with her, and from gate 2, she should get the run of the race. Mai Aloha is the danger. She grew wings late at Bunbury to just miss and is a noted second-up performer. If the favorites overcook it up front, she’ll be the one whistling home.

• Recommended Bet: High (2 Units) - Magical Sequence (Live Price $2.10)

• Bomb: Written Words (0.5 Units) - Won well two back and the 3rd last start behind Watto's Mark reads well for this. (Est. $15.00)

• Mini Table:

Framed Market (105%):

Magical Sequence $2.20, Mai Aloha $5.00, Main Act $7.50, Written Words $12.00, Others $20+.

Race 5: UNITE RESOURCING HANDICAP (1000m)

Haida Gwaii is a 1000m specialist with six wins at the trip. The 3rd last start in RTG 72+ company was a brave effort. Back to 66+ grade, she is the class of the field. Chris Parnham knows exactly how to balance her. Avoidance is the danger, coming off a gritty win. He’ll likely lead, and if the rail is as hot as expected, he might be hard to get past.

• Recommended Bet: Medium (1.5 Units) - Haida Gwaii (Est. $3.50)

• Mini Table:

Framed Market (105%):

Haida Gwaii $3.20, Avoidance $4.80, Keep Ita Mystery $5.50, Prawns Eleven $9.00, Others $15+.