The Pinnacles may be done for another year, but Ascot continues to deliver with a strong program for Ted Van Heemst Stakes Day this Saturday.
It also happens to be the final Saturday before Christmas, which makes it an ideal chance to find a timely result before the festive rush.
A fine forecast and a ten-race card featuring a blend of proven operators and rising prospects sets things up nicely for an engaging afternoon on the punt.
I’ve worked through the Ted Van Heemst Stakes Day form and outlined my preferred plays across the meeting below.
Spoiler Alert: Pikey to have a massive day!
WESTERN ACE (7) showed promising signs on debut over 1200m at Pinjarra, doing his best work late after being forced to travel wide and settle back.
The Trevor Andrews-trained gelding produced the fastest final 200m of the race, suggesting the rise to 1400m second-up is exactly what he’s looking for.
While the draw isn’t ideal, William Pike was always likely to ride him patiently and let him build into the race.
Selections: 8–7–1–10
| 7. Western Ace (11) J: William Pike 56.5kg 3T: Trevor Andrews |
BOSUN (2) appears ready to make an impact first-up following a series of encouraging trial showings.
The Mitchell Pateman-trained gelding stretched out strongly when runner-up under a hold in his opening trial, then followed it with a more testing 1000m workout where he narrowly missed.
Patrick Carbery’s draw allows him to take a comfortable position and stalk the speed.
Selections: 2–6–8–1
| 2. Bosun (2) J: Patrick Carbery 58kg T: Mitchell Pateman |
HEAVEN SPECIFIED (2) returned to a more suitable grade last start and got the job done.
After a solid maiden win at Northam four runs back, the Playing God gelding held his own in the Belgravia and Fairetha Stakes.
His Bunbury win last time out was genuine, circling the field and finishing strongest over 1100m, so he steps into another winnable race from a favourable draw.
Selections: 2–3–1–4
| 2. Heaven Specified (4) J: Troy Turner 56kg 21961T: Colin Webster |
ACE QUEEN SUITED (10) brought strong trial form to her debut and wasn’t far off despite being beaten as favourite.
The Daniel Morton-trained filly kept finding the line and was only edged out by Red Lark, who enjoyed the better run throughout.
That experience will improve her, and second-up fitness plus barrier 1 should give Chris Parnham every chance to be on the front foot.
Selections: 10–1–6–9
| 10. Ace Queen Suited (1) J: Chris Parnham 54kg 3T: Daniel Morton |
SUPERNATURAL (2) resumes and finds a nice race to continue her strong first-up record.
The Adam Durrant-trained mare has won two of her three fresh attempts, including an impressive return over 1100m here last prep.
Her recent trial was exactly what you’d want, settling back, cruising up effortlessly and closing under a hold.
William Pike reunites with her, which is always a positive.
Selections: 2–1–7–3
| 2. Supernatural (8) J: William Pike 58kg 5135xT: Adam Durrant |
SUMMER’S LEGACY (7) had absolutely no luck in the Parliamentarians’ Cup over 2200m, never getting clear air as she went to the line untested.
The Grant & Alana Williams-trained mare was shaping to peak late but simply had no opportunity. With even passage here, she’s right in the finish again and capable of adding to her two recent wins.
Pike will go back from the draw, but the tempo looks suitable for her powerful closing style.
Selections: 7–4–1–10
| 7. Summer’s Legacy (11) J: William Pike 55.5kg 51175T: Grant & Alana Williams |
OUR PALADIN AL (10) kicked off the prep nicely, surging home to be beaten under a length over this track and trip.
With no trial beforehand, he’s entitled to improve sharply second-up.
The Russell Stewart-trained gelding showed real progression in his initial campaign, rising from a maiden win to finishing a narrow runner-up in the Listed Aquanita Stakes just three starts later.
Blinkers return, and the last time they went on he won by three.
Selections: 10–1–4–11
| 10. Our Paladin Al (8) J: Chris Parnham 54kg 142×3T: Russell Stewart |
SEVEN CANDLES (15) has won two of his three starts and continues to show strong upside.
The Brett Pope-trained gelding resumed over 1300m and produced the fastest final 200m of the day to score, then overcame a slipped saddle last time out to win comfortably at this track and trip.
He takes on a stronger field but drops 6kg and gets William Pike, both significant positives.
Selections: 15–9–4–11
| 15. Seven Candles (8) J: William Pike 54kg 7×11T: Brett Pope |
APULIA (1) will appreciate the class drop after finding little luck in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes last start.
The Team Hayes-trained gelding won his first two races this preparation before heading west, and although he settled too far back last start, he still found the line well despite restricted room.
He was a month between runs, so he should improve sharply as he builds toward the Perth Cup.
Barrier 1 should allow Pike to settle much closer.
Selections: 1–3–4–9
| 1. Apulia (1) J: William Pike 59kg 3×110T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |
KEEP ITA MYSTERY (1) produced a huge run first-up over 1000m, coming from the tail and wide to charge into second.
The War Chant gelding strips fitter and the rise to 1200m is a clear plus.
The draw is tricky, but he has been dealing with wide barriers consistently and a genuine tempo will help him slot in.
Selections: 1–6–2–3
| 1. Keep Ita Mystery (13) J: Chris Parnham 60.5kg 222×2T: Luke Fernie |