07:20 ascot Wednesday 14th January 2026

BASSETT HOUND (6) is a son of Wootton Bassett from the mare Bound Copy. Cost AUD $ 70,000 (Magic Millions 2024 Perth Yearling Sale) as a yearling. Will strip fitter from a Belmont Park trial run. Shapes well for this. WESTERN JET (7) is back from a break of nine weeks. Raced twice in his maiden campaign and wasn't far away on either occasion including the last run when third over 6f at Belmont Park. Jockey Clint Johnston-Porter back aboard and can measure up. URQUHARTS BLUFF (3) pushed forward when resuming last time and boxed on to finish a nose away in second over 6f at Pinjarra. Well placed and there is no reason he cannot salute. DARK AVALANCHE (1) got off the mark when resuming from a lay-off over 5½f at Bunbury last start, scoring by 1. 2 lengths. Is lightly raced and has plenty of scope for improvement. Joey Azzopardi was in the saddle on that occasion and retains the mount. Must be respected now that the penny has dropped.