Best From The West - January 26

The Bob McPherson trained The Finest really impressed on debut and appears well placed to break through in the opening event at Ascot on Saturday.

Thrown in the deep-end, The Finest stuck on well to finish third, only narrowly edged out for second behind Excise Free.

Although no match for the winner Market Ruler, The Finest conceded both a fitness/experience edge and to be beaten just 1.75L, his performance was very very good.

No doubt he’ll improve sharply with that run under his belt and he has drawn to receive all the favours.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, The Finest appears well placed and with more to come, he shapes as one of the hardest to beat.

Admittedly it is quite an open affair, however if priced according to Timeform predictive ratings, The Finest presents a great gamble and more than happy to side his way.

In the sixth event the Team Williams trained Forceful gets his chance to improve sharply racing third up.

Although failing to feature in two runs to begin this preparation, Forceful has gone a lot better than what it appears on paper and should be able to settle closer from the favourable draw.

The Wizard sticks aboard (won 4/9) and on best form he rates highly.

A winner of four of his nine starts, he is clearly a good talent and the step up to 1200m should definitely suit.

No knock on the much in-form Beat The Devil, but definitely Team Forceful.

Best From The West

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 1 #6 The Finest @ $5.00

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 6 #9 Forceful @ $3.80