Tips for Ascot 21st April - Diggers Cup

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Sat 21 April, 2012

Race 1:

Its a strange move by the Miller camp to back up one of their stars after the grand final last week, but Miss Solis will start the short priced favourite after a rank failure in the Sires. Something obviously went wrong that day and on form, she'll win this with a leg in the air, but is all well with the horse? I'd be prepared to risk her at odds on based on the uncertainty created by last week. The rest are an even lot. Modo Mio will race better up front, as he did in his dominant trial win. Snide Remark, Coventry to Rio, Black Truffle and Flying Time are also chances to upset if something goes awry with the fave. Its a race to stay away from unless you're picking out some value. Miss Solis, Modo Mio, Flying Time.

No Bet.

Race 2:

On paper, this looks like a race in two with Rafferty and Sir Hallowell the class. Rafferty disappointed last time out but I really believe he is a 1200m-1400m horse. His record over the 1500m and 1600m is just average and he just ground to the line last start. Back to the 1200m, he's the one I'll tip. Ikenushi gets rewarded a good ride for the Harrison camp on Sir Hallowell who is dropping substantially in class. Impatient Times is a rough chance to upset, leading here. He's not well weighted compared to the two faves however. Secret Enigma is the roughie here, although I dont think he can upset. His trial was excellent. Rafferty, Sir Hallowell, IMpatient Times.

Suggested Bet: Rafferty at $2.80.

Race 3:

Single Spice has been the second stringer for the Miller camp all Autumn but with blinkers on, drawn well and back in grade, today is the day she can step up and win. Kalahaar was impressive at Albany in fast time but may have to do some work from the wide barrier here. True Gold has blinkers removed after over racing first up at Bunbury and will get the nice run from the pole. Exclusive Honour also a chance to run on if they set a decent tempo up front. Single Spice, Kalahaar, True Gold.

Suggested Bet: Single Spice each way.

Race 4:

The scratching of Elusive Image has left this race a little empty. Flag Officer and California Dude (blinkers on) should ensure a decent tempo. A number of these drop back from the Derby / Melvista distance and another few step up in grade. Flag Officer is the class and should win provided he has not taken too much harm from last week. Haldeman and Ready for Sure were impressive in their midweek races. Fabulistic is a rough chance, as are California Dude and Hinzley. Flag Officer, Haldeman, Wicked Game.

No Bet.

Race 5:

Maschino will start all the rage in the fifth. His win last time out was a welcome relief, but looked a grinding effort to me. Gum Nut Guru and Big Ted should go to the top, but dont expect Big Ted to take off like he did in the Bunbury Cup. Rogers will either lead or sit outside Big Ted and Gum Nut Guru gets his chance to win here. I Dont Recall will appreciate the 1800m after stepping up to 2100m second up in the Geraldton Cup. He just ran out of condition at the end. The Tenby Friar wasnt suited getting back off a slow pace behind King Point, but he's not one I can catch, so I wont even try. Greatwall of China was very quietly ridden last start after he probably should have won with Diener aboard previously. He's over the odds for sure in this race. Gum Nut Guru, Maschino, I Dont Recall.

Suggested Bet: Gum Nut Guru each way.

Race 6:

One of the more difficult races on the day. Lunar Image will start the clear cut favourite. While winning form is good form, i dont think he has beaten anything of note and we can put a line throught the six horse field he beat last start, the best 600m sprint won it. Fair Hunter has been in good form and should go forward and make his own luck here. Dominicus is stepping up to the 2100m for the first time but looks as though that will suit. Likewise with Midnight Touch. Scrapindipity gets the services of Pike, drawn 1, which you always have to respect. Fair Hunter, Elusive Image, Dominicus.

Suggested Bet: Fair Hunter each way.

Race 7:

Here is a tough race with a ton of speed. Lisetta and With A Flourish should go hard up front. The former struggles with the 1200m at the best of times, let alone with pressure and in this grade. Full Clip is out of 3yo company and badly weighted in this , he's a lay. Desire Path is a horse that needs plenty of pace on. She'll get that here and you can put a line through her run at Pinjarra, missing the kick and racing up the middle of the track. Smith on board is a big plus and she's the one to beat. Elyssa Grace, likewise gets the services of Pike, drawn well. Her last run was also excellent. Raucous Laughter the chance for a blow out. Capricious Lad was backed off the boards last start and put in a huge run, but I cant see him being any better off here. Hard to split them, but Desire Path and Elyssa Grace together from Raucous Laughter.

Suggested Bet: Desire Path and Elyssa Grace straight out.

Race 8:

Another tough race to finish the day. I was a big wrap for Honest Lies last week, but thought the 1100m was going to be too short, which it was. Second up at 1400m, this horse has class over most of these. Smith on board, as long as they're able to come from the back, he's a good bet in this field. We also tipped Canardly Miss last time out and she had no luck at all. ONce again, if the backmarkers are not at too much of a disadvantage, she's a good each way bet. Mutawarath ran a good first up race, but has been away from the track for a month. Cristiano promises a lot but gives very infrequently. Come Flirt With Me and Mr Moet both chances in this. Honest Lies, Canardly Miss, Cristiano.

Suggested Bet: Honest Lies and Canardly Miss at double figures each.