Star three-year-old Ihtsahymn lines up for his grand final on Saturday, the W.A.T.C Derby and shapes up as the best bet of the day at Ascot on Saturday.
Having defied the handicapper last start when saluting in the Melvista Stakes the son of Ihtiram appears extremely well placed to continue his winning ways when returning to level weights.
His performance last start was rated five pounds below his career peak which suggests he is open to further improvement on Saturday and gets the ideal barrier to do so.
On Timeform ratings he sits four pounds clear of his nearest rival Balmont Girl and with expected improvement to come he does appear extremely hard to beat.
With more than 6-4 currently being offered across the boards, it seems a more than fair gamble as we have him rated an even money shot and can get him into the red if we rate him off his career best form.
He does appear to have an edge on his rivals at this point in time and if able to run up to his Kingston Town Stakes win he is clearly the one to beat.The Simon Miller trained Saint Bro makes his return on Saturday and appears very well placed to make a winning return.
Unseen since finishing third in the WA Guineas the son of Flying Pegasus has displayed plenty of ability in his short career to date and comes into this affair rated well clear of his rivals.
While unseen short of 1200m his trial leading up to this was very impressive and from the good draw he is expected to roll forward and prove very hard to catch.
Have to respect Fuchsia Bandana on her last start win but she still has plenty to find on bare form and we can't get her that short and struggle to see how she is favourite.
Currently installed a 2-1 chance is very appealing for Saint Bro as we have him rated as short as even money and while some query at the trip the Simon Miller stable is striking at 27% first up and he definitely appears worthy of a gamble.
The Jim Taylor trained Petrol Power returned to form here last start but does appear too short at his current quote.
On paper there isn't a whole lot between Petrol Power, Soldier's Lass, Testamezzo and Darlington Abbey and hence the prospect of taking 2-1 about him appears rock bottom odds.
We have Testamezzo rated a $2.60 chance and happy to play that way and couldn't take less than 5-2 about Petrol Power.
BEST FROM THE WEST:
BANKER: Race 7 #1 Ihtsahymn @ $2.50
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 2 #1 Saint Bro @ $3.00
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 5 #3 Petrol Power @ $3.00
