We head to Ascot this Sunday to bring in 2023 with a cracking meeting on New Years Day. The card is highlighted by the running of the Perth Cup and the Summer Scorcher. We’ll also get to see exciting mare Alsephina step out in the La Trice Classic as she chases six wins in a row.
Billy Bestford is back once again to bring you his best bets and race previews for all the key races. And if you're looking to kick off the New Year with a fresh start, then why not try a new sportsbook? Give Midasbet a try!
Ascot Racing Tips: Sunday January 1st
Race 5
(7) Rare Encounter was a horror watch last start when never really clear in the straight. She looks well placed in a race like this and had been in very good form leading into that. The 3rd behind Queen Alina two back stacks up well and Pikey will ride from a good gate.
(3) Mosquito maps for the dream run from the inside barrier and has been in good form this prep. Can improve rising to the mile here.
(5) Yemen Lass led them up last start and did well to hold on. Once again she will be position up near the speed and will give a strong kick.
(4) Castillo Del Lago can have the lead on his own here if he wants it. Comes into this on the fresh side and gets Chris Parnham. All ticks.
(7) Rare Encounter
$2.40 (2 units)
Race 6
This looks one of the more exciting races of the day with two superstar mares going head to head in Alsephina and The Velvet Queen.
I’m going to side the way of (7) The Velvet Queen who has been brilliant this prep. Her latest win over 1500m had to bee seen to be believed, reeling off some incredible sectionals to run them down. I think she looks ready to step up to 1800m now and while she will be spotting them a start, I’m happy to be with her at the price.
(3) Alspehina is a deserved favourite and comes into this looking for a sixth straight win. She’s unbeaten here at Ascot, winning five from five and she is a serious winning machine. Generally the punters pal, winning at short odds and I can’t see why she won’t do it again.
(5) Sentimental Queen does her best racing 2nd up and the rise to 1800m looks ideal at this stage of the prep. From the low draw expect she settled in the lead and probably looks the main threat to the top two in the market.
The race has a long tail but the next best would have to be (8) Gunmetal Grey.
(7) The Velvet Queen
$3.90 (1 unit)
Race 7
Want to have something on two runners in this quality sprint race. (6) How’s The Serenity has been trialling the house down leading into this and I think she looks to have come back in good shape. She’ll land up on speed and has a good record this track/trip. Think she can regain her best form and give this a big shake.
(2) Indian Pacific has been given a freshen up since failing in The Winterbottom. If she is back to her best here first up she should be giving this a shake.
(3) Wilchino is probably the best horse here but whether he can find his best form is another question.
Also Backing: (2) Indian Pacific - $9 (0.5 unit)
(6) How's The Serenity
$5.50 (1 unit)
