Ascot hosts a nine-race program on Saturday, headlined by the Group 3 Roma Cup for the sprinters. The opening race will jump at 12:09pm local time (2:09pm AEST), the track is currently listed as a Good 4 and the rail is out eight metres for the entire circuit. Here are my best bets for the WA metro meeting!
Ascot Racing Tips: Saturday, April 12th 2025
Race 1: THE HERDSMAN MARKET HANDICAP (2400 METRES) – 12:09pm (2:09pm AEST)
(6) Taranaki has been a model of consistency this prep with a pair of third placings then becoming a pair of fourth placed efforts, the latest over 2200m when beaten 3.98 lengths by Weeraechoux. The four-year-old gelding raced midfield in the field of 14 runners and I liked the way he finished off late in the home straight. The field is half the size this time around and Jade McNaught will likely want to lead them up this time around.
(1) Weeraechoux will once again be asked to carry 60kg after his brilliant win last time. The price looks a bit skinny in a race with several chances. He is the class runner of the field and should go close once again at his first attempt at the 2400m.
(3) Queen Of Jerusalem is yet to place from four attempts this campaign, but the past two have put the writing on the wall that she is ready to run a race. The smaller field looks suitable for her chances, and she is going to be dangerous late.
(6) Taranaki WIN
$6.00 (2 Units)
Race 4: DAVE MULLEN WINES HANDICAP (1200 METRES) – 1:59pm (3:59pm AEST)
(10) Mighty Hosanna is third up from a spell which saw the Jim Taylor-trained three-year-old filly break her maiden over 1100m before running fifth in a Class 1 Handicap over 1100m when sent out as the $2.25 favourite. She settled last on the outside in that event and never looked likely as they dashed home. Brad Parnham picks up the ride and we will be hoping the filly jumps better this time around to try and put herself in a good position. Looks a great each-way play at the price.
(2) Sixinch Heels is the favourite, and she will try and add a fourth-consecutive victory to her resume. Barrier 10 with 59kg on her back looks the immediate concern on paper. She may simply prove too good once again but the $2.35 on offer to find out isn’t appealing and she does drop back from 1400m.
(1) Magna’s Choice resumes from a spell for trainer Trevor Andrews. The three-year-old gelding has won two from three and has had a trial leading into this event. Prefer to watch first up and see what he produces on race day.
(10) Mighty Hosanna E/W
$7.50 (1 Unit)
Race 8: PKF - ROMA CUP (1100 METRES) – 4:25pm (6:25pm AEST)
The feature race of the day currently sees a field of 11 compete for $200,000 in prizemoney and is a weight-for-age contest at Group 3 level.
(7) Jokers Grin is powering through the grades with six wins from his first eight career starts. Trained by Bernie Miller, the four-year-old gelding was victorious first up in the Rock Magic Stakes (1000m) defeating Keep Reading and Bravo Centurion by a length. Jokers Grin jumped last in the Rock Magic before hugging the fence and sweating on a run. He looked like being a good thing beaten before clear running presented late and the gelding powered through to claim the prize. Clearly the top pick here.
(6) Bravo Centurion raced outside Ginnivan in the Rock Magic Stakes and will be pressing forward from his outside gate in a bid to try and take up the running. His third placed effort was good in the Rock Magic and this horse knows how to win (six wins from 10). Will strip fitter and can offer a challenge in the Roma Cup.
(3) Saloon Bar also comes out of the Rock Magic Stakes where he finished in fourth place with Pike in the saddle. There’s not much separating this gelding from the likes of Rope Them In and Bravo Centurion and has each-way claims.
(7) Jokers Grin WIN
$2.60 (3 Units)
