Ascot r1 Reliable Star ; Taking on a Pike odds on favourite in race 1 of the Perth Masters with great trepidation. Pure Devotion is the better stayer and Pike is obviously the better jockey however …. The favourite goes up 4kgs to a hefty 60kgs and our pick drops 1kg to 52.5kgs for a 3/4 length 2nd same track and distance last start. Yes it’s Pike vs an apprentice and you could argue that’s worth more than 4kgs but you only live once!

Ascot r3 Brave Angel ; This time I’m backing in the class of the race to carry the big weight of 59kgs. Is a listed stakes class winner at this track and distance back a long way in grade. Looks primed 3rd up from a spell .

Ascot r6 Hot Zed ; Has been trying his guts out with massive weights in fast run races . Now drops considerably in weight and drawn to get a softer run .

Best Bet Ascot r7 Treasured Star ; Banking on the addition of blinkers enabling Pike to settle her a touch closer than her usual racing pattern . If she gets clear galloping room from midfield and produces the turn of foot we have seen previously then it should be lights out for her opposition. To the naked eye it seemed Buzoom peaked on the run last week in the Champion fillies and is drawn to have to go right back again. That leaves the best credentialed male in It’sarayday as the one to run down. He is extremely talented but still quite raw. Likely gets the box seat so if it’s playing on pace like last week then his chances of holding her out increase significantly.

Ascot r8 ; Selections 12. Notorious One 16. Western Empire 6. Comfort Me 2. Massimo / 17 Media Baron if gets start.

Just feel Backing Notorious One each way is a better bet than Western Empire at ridiculous odds.

Novelties

1st ; 12 16

2nd ; 6 12 16

3rd ; 2 4 6 12 16 (17)

4th ; 2 4 6 8 10 11 12 16 (17)

Quaddie 1 (skinny) 2.​13/12.​16/6.​9.​11/1.​3.​8.​10.​11.​12.​13.​14.​15 $108 for 100% . Includes It’sarayday first leg and main chances last two legs.

Quaddie 2 (wide) 13 / 12 16 / field field . $390 for 100% standing out our best bet first leg then taking field last two legs.

For both quaddies you could take a smaller percentage with Notorious One compared to Western Empire as if it wins the quaddie will pay a substantially bigger dividend. This is how I will be playing.

Please Gamble Responsibly.