May 9th, 2013 | 
Author: In the Betway Huxley Stakes (2.40) at Chester on Thursday, Western Hymn was turned over…
Race Analysis 7:40 Ascot (May 10th)
Ascot Racecourse Handicap over 7f on good to firm ground. A race for three-year-old rated from 86 – 103. A relatively small field with seven horses, from a mix of talented trainers. Hughie Morrison has been in great form and flying high with Banoffee’s Listed win at Chester. For even more analysis take a look at Richard Hughes Race Preview.
Secret Talent has done little wrong in two starts to date, the later an easy success at Kempton. That win came in Median Auction Maiden. This is a much stiffer test but this bay gelding looks a progressive horse and should go well.
Richard Hannon fields the top weighted Professor who has won twice in five races and never been beaten by any great distance. This step back up to seven furlong looks a positive move. This son of Byron, a chestnut colt, looks to have a solid chance.
Shebebi is another gelding who is taking a rise in class after a comfortable victory at Beverley when favourite, making his seasonal appearance. Mark Johnston’s horses have been in good form and he is a dab hand at taking progressive horses to a higher level.
Regal Dan is a determined son of Dark Angel who has shown ability from five to seven furlongs. He steps back up to seven furlongs after a creditable second at fancy odds last time. I was particularly impressed by his victory over Red Avenger when attempting this trip for the first time last season. He is likely to enjoy this stiffer test and the horse to beat.
Georgian Bay drops in distance after leading for most when racing over one mile at Kempton. He has raced up to Listed class.
Huntsman’s Close was a frustrating horse last season but finished on a high when taking his maiden at Yarmouth on testing ground. It will be interesting to see how he goes stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time. He cannot afford to be keen.
Pay Freeze hasn’t raced for over two hundred days and may need the run.
Conclusion: It will be interesting to see how Secret Talent handles this step up in class after an easy victory last time out. With Hughie Morrison’s stable in good form he could well prove a tough nut to crack. Professor isn’t top weighted for nothing and he has been a very consistent horse who battles hard and likes a scrap. I would favour Regal Dan who is a versatile horse and stepping up to seven furlong could see and bold show.