3 minute read

The Grant Williams stable appears to hold a very strong hand at Ascot on Saturday, headed by the return of Ideal Image in the second event.

Though unable to feature in the W.A. Guineas prior to a break, the daughter of More Than Ready has displayed plenty of ability in her short career to date.

A winner of three of her five starts, Ideal Image continued to raise the bar last preparation and appears very well placed resuming on Saturday.

Her sole trial in the lead up was solid enough and with William Pike linking back aboard, she ticks a lot of boxes.

This season William Pike is riding in sublime form, striking at 20% from his last 50 rides and overall is striking at 25% for the Williams stable.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Ideal Image rates well clear of her rivals and isn't required to return a peak figure to be winning this event.

Drawn ideally on the inside, she is expected to settle closer to the speed this time around with last start winner She's A Virtue likely to take up the running.

Currently installed a 5-2 chance appears a more than worthy gamble, as if priced aggressively, we have her marked the $2.10 favourite.

One galloper who does appear over the odds in the early markets is the Shane Quilty trained Dabang, who is set to contest the seventh event.

Holding her form behind Raindance Maggie last start, the daughter of He's A Decoy stuck on well, though clearly no match — beaten 3.8L.

Nonetheless, she meets the latter on better weight terms after Jordan Turner's claim and notably started 7-2 last start and is now 9-1.

Raindance Maggie is clearly the horse to beat, but hard to ignore the value on offer with Dabang —her best form measures right up and she does possess great course and distance credentials.

From the wide draw, she is expected to roll forward and should give plenty of cheek at the each-way odds.

BET OF THE DAY: Race 2 #3 Ideal Image @ $3.50

EACH-WAY PLAY: Race 7 #4 Dabang @ $10.00