Ascot ground

[Smithy]

I know they have had some rain today, but this morning we were told it was good to firm on the straight course, yet they were finishing strung out like 3m chasers in a hot 6f handicap.

Obviously the rain had got into the ground, but to that extent?

Concerns here that tomorrow could be a farce – anyone happy with the state of the surface. I know Alan had a runner in the last – perhaps he has an opinion on the state of it.

[MikkyMo73]

Hi Smithy,

What do you mean that it could be a farce?

It has been rainiing heavily all day and If the rain has got into the ground it’s got into the ground, nothing Ascot or anyone else could have done about that?

I think they changed the going description to soft halfway through the card (though don’t quote me on that) – and with further rain expected, it will definitely be soft tomorrow.

Personally, i’ve scratched tomorrow’s Ascot card from my head already from a betting point of view. I don’t mind betting on soft ground over jumps, but on the flat I always try to avoid it.

Mike

[Smithy]

I mean a farce like last year’s Shergar Cup meeting, where some sort of quicksand is produced as a racing surface.

[Artemis]

Smithy,

Today’s times suggest the ground isn’t too bad at the moment. Just on the easy side of good, not really soft as yet.

If it rains before racing tomorrow, it will be good to soft. Of course, very heavy rain could make it heavy.

[Smithy]

Artemis,

I take on board what you say about the times, but it was the manner in which they were strung out like chasers that bothers me.

I know some horses don’t handle the glue-pot conditions at Uttoxeter when it gets wet – perhaps Ascot will be the same.

[apracing]

There did seem to be a fair bit of sand about and the rain had produced ground like a pudding by the last – some handled it, most didn’t.

Salute stuck to the inside rail on the round course and got bogged down from halfway – no surprise if they start going wide under the trees tomorrow.

The slow times on the straight course may also have been influenced by the wind – although given the nature of the architecture, it’s difficult for the viewer from the stand to be confident about the wind direction.

My first visit in person since the reopening – I won’t be hurrying back.

AP

[steveh31]

From the Ascot website:

Next Race Meeting: Friday 28th to Sunday 30th September 2007

Official Going on: Friday 28th September 2007; 4.30pm
Going: Straight – Good to Soft Round – Soft

Additional Info:
GoingStick: n/a

Weather Forecast:

Tonight: A shower (60% chance of rain), 11°C
Saturday: Partly sunny (17% chance of rain), 16°C
Sunday: Partly sunny (81% chance of rain), 17°C

for latest goto:
http://www.ascot.co.uk/racinf/racinf_goi.html

[thedarkknight]

Stop moaning Smithy and get on Blue Ksar at 100s for the QEII – he will like the EASE in the ground.

[davidbrady]

I’m sticking with Ramonti having backed him earlier this week but Stormy River has pretty decent Gr1 form on softish ground and should run well at good odds

[moehat]

I was going to have an ew on Blue Ksar and felt a bit daft when I realised he was running as a pacemaker; not sure what to do now…would feel dafter if he won…

[davidjohnson]

Can’t see a pacemaker being allowed to pinch it a la Summoner in 2001. Blue Ksar in there for Godolphin, Duke of Marmalade is likely to go from the front and Dunelight is likely to keep the pair of them honest.

[thedarkknight]

Who said anything about "pinching it"? HIs record on softer than good 1111 and I can’t find many others who appreciate ground softer than good.One respected form ratings service has Blue Ksar top rated on his best form figure from last year – if Godolphin can somehow get him back to the form he showed when beating Army of Angels he would have a chance.

Clearly there are negatives – not least his recent form (albeit on good or faster ground), but he is definitely worth chancing e/w at 100s in what is a dire renewal.

[Smithy]

Could’nt give a monkeys about the state of the ground, aslong as I can see it all unfold on television i’m good. Maybe thats why i’m a crap punter.

If it is any consolation, marb, your view is shared by the Clerks of the Course in Britain today.

[davidbrady]

3 non-runners now so field down to 7 which is a killer for each-way punters.

[thedarkknight]

…but not for those hoping that Blue Ksar might get an easy lead

[Librettist]

3 non-runners now so field down to 7 which is a killer for each-way punters.

The place market on SwitchToBetfairForBetterValue[/color:13atkjxn] is still three places

[Prufrock]

they were finishing strung out like 3m chasers in a hot 6f handicap.

Margins in Genki’s race were: short-head; 2 lengths; neck; neck; 1.5 lengths; neck; 1 length; head; and 8 lengths.

Average win margin in UK for 6f handicaps adjusted to 10 runners and for good going is a fraction over 1 1/4 lengths.

Next time you see a 3m-chase that seems likely to finish in this manner give me a shout, as it should be exciting to watch.

[Author]

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