Friday Tote Placepot Tips for Ascot from Architect

Leg 1 Selections: Odonnell’s Orchard

I have a strong viewpoint about the Tom Dascombe-trained ODONNELL’S ORCHARD in leg 1, who I know was disappointing last time, but the form of his debut fourth at Newbury has worked out extraordinarily well. 

He was only a neck behind subsequent Group 3 winner Indian Run and the second has won since, too, plus the winner from that race ran well in a hot nursery when last seen as well. 
He then improved on that form to finish fourth in a Listed event back at the same venue next time, in which he had Inishfallen in behind who has gone close in a Group 3 since. 

If you can cast aside his latest showing, he should be a clear favourite for this. He is strongly fancied to go close to making amends in the opener. 

Leg 2 Selections: Ten Bob Tony, Monkey Island, Kestrel 

In leg 2, I am playing three against the field and the first one is TEN BOB TONY who showed a lot of ability when fourth on debut at Salisbury, being nearest the finish, and should be well-suited to the increase in stamina in this race. He can go very well here. 

A couple of notable debutants include MONKEY ISLAND and KESTREL who make plenty of appeal on paper and might be able to get involved if ready to roll first-time-out for their powerful handlers. This race should prove informative. 

Leg 3 Selections: Seaward, Climate Action

SEAWARD attracted plenty of support on debut at Newmarket last month and ran an encouraging race to take fourth. She can be expected to improve on that promise here and potentially emerge as the winner. 
Of the newcomers, the market could be the guide and it’s possible CLIMATE ACTION will be ready to run well. Being a daughter of the high-class Cracksman and Ryan Moore booked to ride, she’s of serious interest. 

Leg 4 Selections: Maysong, Shaladar, Global Esteem

An extremely-competitive field will assemble for leg 5 and MAYSONG could be the answer to the race. He is only two pounds higher than when he won a much stronger race at Sandown in June and is massively down in grade after finishing second to Isla Kai (rated 89) at Ripon. He must be respected. 
SHALADAR has narrowly been beaten in his last couple of starts and should remain competitive, only nudged up a pound. GLOBAL ESTEEM has C&D winning form and remains seven pounds lower than when last successful. He should be able to make a bold bid from this mark with plenty in his favour. 

Leg 5 Selections: Glenfinnan, Saxon King, Sea Of Thieves 

Andrew Balding’s GLENFINNAN didn’t disgrace himself in a much stronger race than this at York last time when fifth and should be able to produce a bigger performance in this easier contest. He could still prove to be better than this level based on some of his form to date. 
SAXON KING won a decent race at Chester back in July and hasn’t discredited himself in three subsequent starts. He will appreciate the drop in grade and should go well, while SEA OF THIEVES ran well in a Group 3 last time when sixth and this is significantly easier. Nice chance.

Leg 6 Selections: Major Partnership, Aerion Power 

MAJOR PARTNERSHIP went very close off only a pound lower mark when second over course-and-distance last-time-out and although he is yet to win off a mark this high, the top-weight is recognised as one of the main contenders. Oisin Murphy will take the ride. 
AERION POWER ran a big race when fourth in the Royal Hunt Cup over track and trip last-time-out and has been left on the same mark for this assignment. Ryan Moore will ride and, with the possibility of more to come, he could open his account for the year.