1m2f Wolferton Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
There isn’t really a stand-out pattern-level performer in the Wolferton field. Currently, Caddilac lines up at the top-of-the-market for Jessica Harrington. A Group 2 and 3 winner in Ireland, he sets the level here, but he’s hardly the most solid of favourties as the fast ground could easily be against him.
I think the best angle into this race is an each-way one and I’m quite content to take a punt on ARISTIA for Richard Hannon. Aristia is the only filly in the race and receives a minimum of 5lbs from all of her rivals. However, her official rating of 110 is just 2lbs off the highest in here of 112, and she can therefore be considered well-in on ratings.
Aristia lined-up in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last season when finishing 8/13 over 1m 4f. But she was a big baby then and Listed/Group 3 level feels more her level. Plus a stiff 1m 2f should be much more to her liking as she won a Listed contest on fast ground last season beating Group 1 winner, Alpine Star, before Aristia bombed out in a Group 2 at Deauville in soft conditions.
Aristia’s return to track this season in a Fillies Group 2 at York was a career-best and she had the look of a maturing four-year-old when being denied by Lilac Road.
She was still carrying her winter coat at York, so she should be in a much better place for this and I think 22/1 is far too big a price for an improving filly getting weight that remains unexposed.
1pt each-way Aristia @22/1, 17:35 Royal Ascot, Tuesday (1/5 odds, 5 places with Bet365)
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