Ahead of Irish Champions Weekend, there are six meetings across the UK and Ireland on Friday including a seven-race card at Ascot.
In the 7f Charbonnel Et Walker British EBF Maiden Stakes (2:25), there are plenty of exciting colts on display including the Aidan O'Brien-trained Kestrel. The Justify colt is the first foal out of Credenza, who placed numerous times in Group company, and is the sole runner for the Ballydoyle yard on Friday.
Amongst the runners with more experience, Saeed Bin Suroor's Olympic Candle is expected to improve for his debut performance. The Profitable colt out-ran market expectations (20/1) when third in a thirteen runner seven furlong Newbury maiden and was always firmly in contention under a confident ride from Kieran Shoemark. He should improve for the run and Oisin Murphy has been booked.
WIN: OLYMPIC CANDLE
Seaward is the only filly with the benefit of a previous racecourse outing in the 1m Class 2 Memberships At Ascot EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes (3:00). The Ralph Beckett-trained filly was bumped inside the final furlong at Newmarket's July course on debut over seven furlongs, but still kept on well to finish a length fourth behind the winner Hard To Resist.
Of the newcomers, Michael Bell's Climate Section appeals with Ryan Moore booked. The Cracksman filly is out of the un-raced Friendlier, who has already produced multiple Black Type performers over a variety of distances. Her best offspring to date was probably Gender Agenda, who was a winner for Michael Bell in the UK before winning at Grade 3 level in the US.
WIN: SEAWARD
Oisin Murphy boasts a strong book of rides at Ascot and the day could start off well in the 6f Events At Ascot Christmas Parties British EBF Restricted Novice Stakes (1:50). Miss Information is one of the most experienced runners in the field and has placed on her last two outings. Despite having no involvement on debut at Newmarket, the Blue Point filly improved to finish runner-up at Salisbury on her second outing. Although this contest represents a far sterner task than Miss Information has been used to, she appears to be progressing and is related to multiple winners.
WIN: MISS INFORMATION
Lenny's Spirit could give Sophie Smith a memorable day at Ascot in the 1m Class 4 LK Bennett Lady Amateur Jockeys Handicap (For Female Amateur Jockeys) (3:35). The Mark Prescott-trained gelding drops back to a mile following two victories in similar events over ten furlongs, with Sophie Smith aboard on each occasion. Although arguably better over nine or ten furlongs, the five-year-old has previously been successful over a mile and appears well-handicapped off his current mark.
WIN: LENNY'S SPIRIT
RACING & SPORTS SELECTIONS
RACE 1: MISS INFORMATION
RACE 2: OLYMPIC CANDLE
RACE 3: SEAWARD
RACE 4: LENNY'S SPIRIT
RACE 5: SAXON KING
RACE 6: MAJOR PARTNERSHIP
RACE 7: PASTICHE
