After managing to break through after being two years out of the winner’s list, Simon Miller’s Ron’s Call can go back to back this week at Ascot.
This horse started odds on in a WA Guineas in 2011 after taking the Fairetha Stakes but has encountered all sorts of issues since. Not able to win through a couple of preparations, he returned in a similar race to this on 30 November.
Ron's Call sat back near the tail of the field, took gaps in the straight then rattled late to score. He’s clearly in a better mentally state right now and you would think the extra furlong is to his benefit.
Just hoping the inside gate is not more of a hindrance than a positive from this 1200m starting position.
A horse on the rise is Star Mak and he looks ready for metro company again.
Three good wins back to back, he has the speed to put himself into a race early which is generally a great place to be at Ascot.
His jockey is used to riding him and so the 3kg claim is not as big a drawback as it could be and the confidence the horse has built this campaign is important in town. He looks value.
In fact another one in the same race who was desperately unlucky last start was Next Contestant. It was well backed and absolutely should have won at Pinjarra in a maiden.
This is a step up straight to Saturday grade but from a good gate here. He has some nice ability and just need to see him get clear running to show it. He opened at double figure odds so throw it into your quaddies.
Reckon Sail Maker might go around under the odds on Saturday. He’s put a good stretch of runs together and deservedly keeps going up in the weights.
58.5kg is a bit to carry for a horse who is back a furlong here. He did a couple of things wrong last time and was protested against. Was that a sign he was coming to the end of a long, long preparation which is his first in three years.
A horse like Veeten might push him here and while he could still win, not keen to play at the odds likely to be dished up.
BEST FROM THE WEST
BANKER: Race 5 #4 Ron’s Call @ $3.80
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 8 #8 Star Mak @ $6.50
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 3 #1 Sail Maker @ $3.00
