Despite only breaking his maiden status last start progressive galloper Desert Glow appears very well placed to continue his winning form when he steps out at Ascot in the third race this afternoon.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Brought along slowly by the in-form Grant Williams stable, Desert Glow has continued to show good improvement with each performance this time in and proved too good when stepping up to the mile at this track last start.
In what would prove a three way go, Desert Glow fought hard right to the line and showed a great willingness to win as he narrowly edged out his rivals in the shadows of the winning post.
Following that performance Williams elected to give his son of Desert King a slight let freshen up as he makes his return to the track today off an eight week break.
Stepping out over 1200m for the first time in his career having made his debut over 1400m last preparation, Desert Glow will actually carry less weight then he did when scoring in similar company last preparation with Williams electing to engage 3kg claiming apprentice rider Alex Hearn.
With only two other trainers in the race choosing to engage apprentice riders, Desert Glow appears very well placed at the weights as he will only carry 1kg above the minimum.
From the wide draw expect Hearn to press forward and settle him in just off the speed, in behind likely leaders Zenzu and Zedspeil.
With little speed engaged in the race it should benefit gallopers racing up on the speed and he should just prove too good for them in the straight.
The Paul Jordan trained Zedspeil shapes up as the biggest danger after he proved game in defeat behind the very talented Grey Cheval last start at this track.
Having lived up to his solid trial form at Lark Hill, Zedspeil should have taken a lot of benefit out of that first up run and will be far better suited stepping up to 1200m in this today.
Drawn the extreme outside expect Ryan Hill to press forward on the son of Danehill Express and give them all something to chase.
Despite only notching up a half length victory in maiden company at Bunbury last start, the Stephen Miller trained Closing Time appears a very strong winning chance.
Working home strongly from the back to overpower his rivals over the concluding stages, Closing Time appears a galloper with plenty of ability and should have no problem making the step up in grade here.
The Simon Miller trained Zenzu and the Graeme Ballantyne trained Miss Omeresa appear to round out the multiples.
Good luck and happy punting.
