ASCOT RECAP WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15
WIN OF THE DAY
Snow God delivered on the pre-race hype and prevailed as the short-priced favourite on debut, overcoming big concerns in the straight when he was caught behind pacesetter Niccimota who kicked and appeared to have the race in her keeping. Once balanced the Playing God gelding chased hard and hit the line strongly to launch his racing journey in impressive fashion. Trainer David Harrison has unearthed an exciting three-year-old.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
Precious God was good in winning her maiden at Pinjarra, but arguably performed even better at Ascot to record back-to-back wins for trainer, Paula Wagg and enhance her reputation further. There were a few anxious moments pre-race when she was vetted at the barriers, but it was all plain sailing once the gates opened and an easy watch for punters who sent her out as the dominant $1.40 favourite.
As stated, post-race by trainer Tiarnna Noske, a positive starting point for progressive three-year-old All Grunt who was set a task first-up over 1200m, but after engaging with At Your Service in the straight, he proved too strong and superior over the final stages. A Magic Millions Adelaide graduate, he has two wins from three career starts.
HARD LUCK STORY
Heavily supported from $9 into $3.30, Proportrait gave the race away early when he put on a buck jumping exhibition and ran through the running rail. Both horse and jockey Steven Parnham came away unscathed from the incident.
JOCKEY/TRAINER
A rare but welcome city win for husband-and-wife team, trainer Aaron Pateman and jockey Kate Pateman, who combined with Phoenix Trooper to produce a surprise result in race four. An $18 TAB chance, the five-year-old found the front and was never headed, scoring by four lengths and the biggest margin of the meeting.
TRAINER
Greg Beauglehole walked away from the last with a spring in his step when veteran 11-year-old Zackariah Beau posted his eighth career win from 94 starts and first in a touch over a year.
JOCKEY
Bunbury-based Alex Hearn posted his first Ascot winner since returning from an injury layoff when in a bobbing finish he lifted Sports Talk to a narrow win over Tactics after a stirring battle in the straight.
BEATEN FAVOURITES
Choux Shoe ($2.40), Tactics ($3) and Santa Brae ($3.90).
FASTEST 600M
Rocking Gem: 33.64secs.
Julio Santarelli