Horse Racing Tips: We Shal succeed at Ascot

As is often the case in amateur riders’ races, several of these don’t have the highest win percentage – despite having a fair levels of ability. Indeed, only four of this 14-runner field have won a race this season. 

Shaladar is among those non-winners but anyone who saw his last run here would have put him in the notebook for a similar event in the near future. 

That run was over a mile, over which he was in front all the way before getting nailed close home. The drop in distance looks a real positive. 

Shaladar has been beaten in very close finishes on more than one occasion over a mile and he must be a bit of a cliff horse for many punters. 

But I have never got involved until now so I’m hoping the drop down in trip proves the key to success. The heavy ground will certainly not be an issue. 

He has never been the most consistent horse but usually manages to win at least one race a season. Baradar also looked as though he might have another victory in him judged by his last run. 

He is 7lb lower than when he ran very poorly at the Royal meeting, where the fast ground was completely against him. But back here on his favoured heavy ground I’m hopeful he will be a different proposition. 

First-time blinkers seemed to rekindle his enthusiasm at Ripon last time and hopefully being reunited with Rossa Ryan, who won on him on his debut in a Newbury maiden, will have a similarly galvanising effect. 

Caoilin Quinn had four winners and five second places from his last 20 rides (before racing on Thursday) and I will be very surprised if he is still claiming an allowance by the end of this season. 

Pennsylvanie is having her first run for the Moores after having left Alexandra Dunn. It would seem very significant that she is back to the same track and handicap mark as her best run last season was when a three-quarter-lengths second in a similar race. 

She clearly goes well fresh, and it is not the biggest stretch to think she may improve for the switch of stable. I will be watching for any market positive.