Ascot preview: 14:25 Times+ Conditions Stakes

Ascot holds a good quality card today starting off with a conditions event for two year olds over the minimum distance of five furlongs with six runners going to post. The likely favourite looks to be Gifted Master who couldn’t have been more taking on his debut at Newmarket’s Craven meeting when scooting clear of his field to win by four lengths. The form of that received has only been tested once with the fourth Ravenhoe obliging yesterday at Newcastle. Hugo Palmer looks to have an exciting colt on his hands and a win here would book his ticket to Royal Ascot in June.

Buratino and Handytalk, the other pair of maiden winners, both showed plenty of promise. The former was slow into stride before leading and showing a smart turn of foot to dismiss his rivals. He has decent claims tomorrow but he could be vulnerable to Gifted Master who will appreciate a lead. The latter looked to want every yard of five furlongs to win and may struggle tomorrow with these speedier types. Arlecchino’s Rock was third on that occasion and he definitely shaped like a step up in distance would bring out improvement.

The maiden in the field Log Out Island is a fascinating contender for Richard Hannon who notoriously does well with two year olds. His breeding looks nothing spectacular but it is interesting that he comes here first time out rather than go for a maiden contest which signifies they must think a fair bit of him. Aragon Knight will be best watched after jinking violently right as the stalls opened for his debut at Newbury, giving Martin Lane no chance of staying on board.