Best From The West - January 30

The Daniel Harrison trained Universal Moon returned in good order last start and appears set to return to the winner's stall in the fifth event at Ascot on Saturday.

Having caught the eye late behind Kennocha, the daughter of Universal Ruler is expected to display sharp improvement racing second up and is unbeaten in her sole attempt over this trip.

On career best form Universal Moon is very well placed at the weights and has placed in five of six attempts at this track.

From the inside draw she is expected to settle closer to the speed and should get a charmed run in transit.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings she holds a slight edge over her rivals and should prove very hard to beat.

As much as 7-2 is being offered about her chances which presents great value as we have her marked the 5-2 favourite.

A winner of three of eight starts, she is only lightly raced and looks set to continue her imposing record on Saturday.

The Simon Miller trained First Among Equals has been very good in both starts to begin this campaign and appears set to peak in the sixth event.

The definition of consistency the son of Exceed And Excel has placed in 10 of 13 career starts and is unbeaten in three attempts over this trip.

His last start performance when narrowly beaten in the Listed Miss Andretti Stakes leaves him the clear top pick and in truth it should pan out like a spot kick for Peter Knuckey.

Drawn ideally he remains clearly the one to beat and with better than even money being offered about his chances, it appears a more than worthy gamble.

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BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 5 #7 Universal Moon @ $4.50

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 6 #2 First Among Equals @ $2.50