3 minute read

Two important kick offs for the Derby and Oaks contenders take place at Ascot on the weekend.

The first of them is the Lex Piper Stakes for the colts and geldings over the mile.

There looks two main hopes in the Listed race and we will side with the favourite in the leading Peters/Williams team with Western Empire.

He was thrust into stakes races quickly as a 3yo and his WA Guineas effort was a cracker coming from near last around the corner to just miss the placings.

His main rival here, Em Tee Aye, did beat him home in that race but he led them up, whereas the cerise and white gelding, gave away a bit of a start.

That won't happen here given the field size and while the Derby looks the obvious long range target, we think he can win now.

We should get better than the near evens on offer now.

Then we go to the fillies who tackle the Ascot 1000 Guineas and co-incidentally our tip ran in both that same WA Guineas and the Challenge Stakes last start.

Solaia again faces rivals from that Guineas but you have to like the way she is racing now and on breeding alone, you can't see the 1800m being any sort of an issue.

She loves to race in that controlling position near the speed and from this draw should be able to get there quickly – something the Ascot 1800 start does require.

Others bound for the Oaks might well have that as a main target so in her current form, she can strike again now.

BEST FROM THE WEST

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 5 #3 Western Empire @ $1.95

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 7 #1 Solaia @ $2.20