Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Ascot Tips
SATURDAY RACING TIPS
Ascot 12.55 – Long Distance Cup Stakes
This one is fairly straightforward. It’s Trawlerman (1/2 fav) for me.
He was unbelievable at the Royal Meeting and he’s had a brilliant season once again. He’s been the stayer they have all had to beat.
This looks a nice opportunity for him to get his head in front. He’s tough, he’s growing up and William Buick gets on with him really well.
His price reflects all of this, so this isn’t a great betting race, but I’m going for Trawlerman to add another top-level victory to his profile.
Megan’s Tip: Trawlerman WIN
Ascot 1.30 – Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes
Words of Truth (10/11 favourite) is another short-priced favourite for William Buick and Charlie Appleby.
He was a Group 2 winner last time at Newbury when he still looked to be learning and improving — and he stayed on so well in the final furlong.
He looks like the class act competitor in the field and I feel that the stiff track will suit him.
Each way I am looking at Sir Albert (17/2), who comes back down in trip.
He has plenty of experience and has been running very well throughout the season.
He’s ground versatile and is a good price currently at an each-way selection. I feel that could be the way to go for this one.
Megan’s Tip: Words of Truth WIN; Sir Albert EW
Ascot 2.05 – Champions Sprint
My selection is going to be Big Mojo (9/2).
He’s had another great season and comes off the back of the Sprint Cup at Haydock, where he won nicely.
He did enjoy a smoother run than his competitors on that day but he got ridden fairly prominently and, therefore, the likelihood of traffic problems for him is much lower.
The ground being on the nice side is a positive for him, and I think he is primed to go close once more. Big Mojo in the Sprint.
Megan’s Tip: Big Mojo WIN
Ascot 2.45 – Fillies & Mares Stakes
I’m keen on Waardah (11/2) in this one for Owen Burrows and Callum Rodriguez.
Back to the mile and a half I think is perfect. She won at Goodwood last time over the mile and six and she outbattled her rivals through class.
She is a strong traveller who isn’t short of speed. The drop back to this distance is a positive and she can continue to improve.
Kalpana is clearly very talented, but I love her on softer ground and I think that Waardah has her ideal conditions.
She is versatile and is unexposed, really, compared to a few of them who have tried this level before. There is more to come from her.
Megan’s Tip: Waardah WIN
Ascot 3.25 – Queen Elizabeth II
I’m sticking with Field of Gold (13/8 Fav).
He hasn’t been particulate strong at the top of the market but I am hoping for a huge performance.
He is a horse that everyone was raving about at the start of the season. Obviously it went wrong at Goodwood in the Sussex and he had a little bit of a setback after that.
This race has been very much the aim and the Gosden’s seem happy with his training coming into this.
He gets nice ground. When winning at the Royal Meeting it was on the round course, and this is the straight course, but I don't see the stiffer mile being an issue for him.
He is such a talented horse and I really hope he puts on a performance on his comeback. I’m really excited about him.
He is the standout in the field, provided he is absolutely primed and ready.
Carl Spackler (18/1) is a massive each-way price in this one and is the stable’s other runner.
He’s had more time now to adapt to the British training and tracks as well as more time galloping on a straight course rather than the American round.
He didn't disgrace himself on his British debut at the Royal Meeting, he’s always shown plenty at home and, after a couple of months to acclimatise, he is worth a look at that price.
Megan’s Tip: Field of Gold WIN; Carl Spackler EW
Ascot 4.05 – Champions Stakes
What a field this is and I can’t steer clear of Ombudsman (13/8).
It is amazing to have this clash with Calandagan coming over and Delacroix — the whole field has so much depth.
Almaqam probably doesn’t get his ground and it’s exciting to see Economics back… but Ombudsman is the pick.
I think that the Eclipse Stakes is the race that got away.
His performance at the Royal Meeting was electric and likewise at York, in a strange race, he showed a phenomenal turn of foot in the last furlong.
I think he beats the field here by using that turn of foot for the burst of speed that he has.
William Buick will be confident in him and play it quite late. As a super-talented horse that handles Ascot, I’m really excited to see him back in action.
This is a hugely talented field and there are a few trainers who are fairly bullish about their chances.
To have this clash is so good for British Racing and for the end of the Flat season — and I’m hoping that Ombudman comes out on top.
Megan’s Tip: Ombudsman WIN
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
