NEWS PREVIEW

Best From The West: Belmont – 5th August 2023

We begin the new racing season with the best race at Belmont being the Celebration Day Stakes.

That race does include last season's Luckygray, Towton Cup and Perth Cup winner Buster Bash on his way to bigger things.

There are a couple of William Pike rides late in the day that appeal and the first is Starry Heights over the mile in Race 6.

Once he stepped up to the mile, he showed that was what he needed. Coming from well off the pace at the midweeks, he rounded them up to score well.

Getting down in the weights, he will be back but tracking them into the race and having last crack – the perfect W Pike scenario.

Another ride for the Perth maestro is First Encounter in the following race. This one chases four on the trot.

The son of Dundeel won twice in May before a short let up then came back to score over this course and distance in dominant fashion.

He still appears well placed here in this company and they should run along allowing him to hit the line hard.

Looking at his book it might be another of those really, REALLY good days at the office for the champion rider. He'll be very short in the Jockey's Challenge.

BEST FROM THE WEST

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 6 #9 Starry Heights @ $4.80

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 7 #4 First Encounter @ $1.70

*Odds correct at 10:30am 3/08/23


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