Ascot 1000 Guineas – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 12 fillies lining up for the $125,000 Ascot 1000 Guineas. Three runners had their last start in the Listed WATC Challenge Stakes over 1500m at Ascot on 11 February, two in a 2YO & 3YO No Metro Wins race over 1650m at Belmont on 8 February, while the other runners all came via different races. Two runners are sired by Playing God and two are sired by My Admiration.

The early favourite is Admiration Express who resumed for 2nd in the Challenge Stakes. Second favourite is Feels Playful who won that race and now has 3 wins and 2 places from 6 starts. Third favourite is Megami who has won her last 2 starts. Linden Lady has one win and 5 places from 9 starts. All other runners are currently $12 or more.

1. Admiration Express (4)

This My Admiration filly won the Group 3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes over 1600m at the end of last campaign, then resumed to finish 2nd in the Challenge Stakes. Lucy Warwick retains the ride and she looks ready for this distance. Strong hope.

2. Feels Playful (9)

Playing God filly that won the Challenge Stakes last start and has the impressive record of 3 wins and 2 places from 6 starts. Looked to tire late so the extra 300m is a query.

3. Megami (12)

She has had more races than any other runner with 15 starts for 4 wins and 3 places. She has won her last 2 starts, both over 1650m at Belmont and was drawing clear at the end. Should go well.

4. Linden Lady (11)

Came from well back in the field to finish 0.2 length 3rd in a Class Five Handicap over 1300m at Belmont last start. Looks as if this distance will suit.

5. Fine Touch (7)

Was a length winner over 1400m at Belmont on 26 January, then a 0.7 length winner over 1650m at Belmont on 6 February where she was doing her best work late, Can feature in the finish.

6. Marri Martini (1)

Until last start she had raced 8 times for one place. Last start she charged clear in the final 125m for a 2.4 length win over 1650m at Belmont to break her maiden status. Has drawn barrier 1 and could place.

7. Fleur Delacour (8)

Has finished well back at her last 2 starts. Looking elsewhere.

8. Bernbrae (6)

Resumes after a 15 week spell. Has won over 2200m so not without a chance.

9. Ocean Queen (3)

Finished 9th of 12 last start. Prefer others.

10. Let Her Boogie (10)

Won a 1500m maiden at Albany last outing by over 3 lengths after she shied away from a wallaby at the 500m. Could surprise.

11. Sanaa (5)

Likely to settle back in the field. Looks tested.

12. She’s Fit (2)

Has only raced 3 times and is still a maiden. Prefer others.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Admiration Express
2 Feels Playful
3 Megami
5 Fine Touch