1.40pm Ascot Tips & Betting Preview 28/07/2017

A field of eleven go to post for the first race of the day at Ascot, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Indicia finished second in a useful maiden on debut and sets the standard on known form, but Charlie Appleby looks to have a potentially smart one on his hands with EXPRESSIY. The yard has been doing very well with their two year olds this season including first time out winners and this well bred daughter of Siyouni cost 260,000gns. She has a good mix of speed and stamina so the seven furlong trip is an ideal starting point, with Adam Kirby taking the ride. She should take some pegging back with Lady Momoka perhaps her biggest threat as she also makes appeal on paper.

1 EXPRESSLY – Newcomer for Charlie Appleby and Goldolphin who was bought for 260,000 euros as a two year old. She is a daughter of Siyouni, related to some useful types and the Appleby stable have been enjoying a good season with their two year olds, including winners at the first attempt. Seven furlongs is a good starting point and she the likeliest type on paper, so is the one to side with today.

2 FREE TALKIN – First time up for this daughter of Equiano who is related to several winners including Near Kettering and Colourfilly, though neither of those could be described as anything special. She is bred to have some speed about her straight from the blocks but others do look much more likely first time out, as this trip may not be sufficient. Both Michael Attwater and Kieren Fox are in good form, but she should fall short.

3 GIVE AND TAKE – Daughter of Cityscape with the dam an unraced sister to both Irish Derby and Ascot Gold Cup winner Fame and Glory and 1m 2f winner Yummy Mummy, who was the dam of Legatissimo. Clearly takes the eye on pedigree and William Haggas yard is flying at present with thirteen winners from his last forty-four runners. Pat Cosgrave takes the ride and this seven furlong trip looks a good starting point, so she has to be considered.

4 INDICIA – Second on debut at Newmarket for Charlie Hills in what looks to be a useful looking maiden contest, running on strongly despite inexperience to only be beaten a length. She came from quite a way back and was staying on well so a step up in trip looks in her favour, with her pedigree also suggesting she can improve for it. Ryan Moore takes the ride which is an eye-catching jockey booking and she sets the standard form wise.

5 JOUSI – Making her second start for Hugo Palmer after showing promise on debut at Newmarket, finishing fourth after finding her path blocked at a crucial stage. She is entitled to come on for the experience and Josie Gordon retains the ride which is an obvious plus. She looks a strong each way contender if building on that run and is another who cannot be discounted with any confidence.

6 LADY GODIVA – Bought for 80,000gns as a yearling by Chelsea Thoroughbreds and she makes her debut for Richard Hannon. She is a half-sister to four winners and has a good mix of speed and stamina in her pedigree so the seven furlong trip looks ideal for her. She runs for a top yard and any money for her would be interesting on debut, though Hannon two year olds do tend to improve for their first run.

7 LADY MOMOKA – Most expensive horse in the line up, bought for 470,000 euros as a yearling by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum and she makes her debut for Roger Varian under Silvestre De Sousa. She is a daughter of Shamardal and is half-sister to eight winners including the smart Stellar Mass, Marzelline and Fairmile. She takes the eye on pedigree and looks one of the main players under a trainer/jockey combination who are going great guns at present.

8 LADY OF PETRA – Newcomer for Eve Johnson-Houghton who doesn’t catch the eye on breeding compared to a few of these, with her being half-sister to Secret Talent (RPR 93) and Amazing Win (RPR 68). The yard are in good form and Charles Bishop takes the ride but unless money comes on debut, she is best watched.

9 MAHAARAT – Well bred daughter of Dubawi who finished ninth on debut at Newbury last month, running well to a point but never going the pace to get involved at the front. Jim Crowley takes over the ride but she will need further in time and although she is entitled to come on for that run, others do make more appeal on this occasion.

10 RITHA – Not sold for 5,500gns as a yearling and this daugher of Poet’s Voice was sent off an easy to back 25/1 shot at Nebwury earlier this month. She finished last in the end after weakening out of things at the two furlong pole. She is entitled to have learned a lot and Hannon’s two year olds do tend to come on for the run, but she is likely best watched until she goes up in trip.

11 STREAM SONG – Daughter of Mastercraftsman who is very well bred, being a half-sister to Journey, Travelling Man and Lancing with her dam being a French Leger winner. She is however likely to be better with more time and distance so unless the market suggests otherwise, she should find at least a few of these too good on debut.