Ascot Selections & Staking Plan: Saturday 13th March

1. Sir Mambo – 9. Secret Plan – 8. Universal Pleasure – 2. Thrilled

Sir Mambo

A horse that does his best work out in the cheap seats is always going to look good in certain races but it goes without saying he was huge last start behind Lipstick Flickers in a fast run 1200m contest. Covered plenty of extra ground (where he does his best work) which when complimented by the fact that it was a fast run race, he was unreal to still run 3rd only a length off the eventual winner. Really doesn’t look a difficult ride for Derrick, maps to find a beautiful trailing position in the box seat and given I can find reasons to knock the other fancied runners in the race, should prove hard to beat despite a record of regularly finding one better.

1.5 Units EACH WAY

1. Western Empire – 7. Flash Ducati – 4. Holy Enchantment – 6. Castillo De Lago

Race 8 – 4:35PM GAIL PANTON 20 YEARS @ PERTH RACING HANDICAP (1000 METRES)

4. River Beau – 10. Kramden – 6. Badge Of Courage – 9. Holy Ghost

River Beau

Was a super return by this horse behind Plutocracy here a fortnight ago. Jumped from a sticky gate, was a tad slow away, as a result caught in a really sticky spot at the top of the straight, wasn’t able to build any momentum until taken out off heels passing the 250m before savaging the line for a close-up 3rd, running easily the fastest race splits. Can settle much handier here in a lovely trail from gate 4 (fingers crossed he doesn’t miss it) and just think he looks super hard to beat, quality 1000m horse.

2.5 Units WIN

Kramden

The key for him is finding the top and he should find it here easier than he has since he last won one. He was super behind Plutocracy last start when not able to hold out from Time To Sizzle and here with the featherweight 51kgs (and a 5.5kg swing on River Beau from their last meeting) should be able to dictate to them at his own tempo. Will be very hard to get past.

0.7 Units WIN

Badge of Courage

Really low flying this horse for Luke Fernie. Loved the run last start track/trip in a 66+ behind Mood Swings, didn’t have much early speed and got shuffled back in the ruck before Jade pulled him back to the inside on straightening and I loved the way he hit the line. Draws well here to sit on the back of the stalking pair Cuballing and River Beau, and is well over the odds for me at $31.00 some venues.

0.3 Units WIN