Angelique’s Fame in the frame

A less than ideal draw should not hinder the first-up chances of Angelique’s Fame in today’s Tabtouch — Better Your Bet Handicap (1000m) at the Bunbury Turf Club. The classy mare, who is trained by Boyanup’s Michael Lane, will jump from barrier nine, however her class should more than make up for this. Her latest trial at Lark Hill on October 19 would have provided the stable with confidence, after she kicked home late on the outside to deny London Miss by 0.1 lengths. Another runner who could be due for a big day is The Singing Tiger, who has drawn well in the Furphy — Refreshing Ale Handicap (1400m). The Justin Warwick-trained gelding may be unplaced in his last two starts, however his most recent start over the 1400m at Northam was very good. It will also be a bumper day on Saturday at Ascot, with four feature races set to showcase some of our State’s finest runners. Leading the charge in the $100,000 Seacorp — Ascot Gold Cup (1800m) will be Ross Price’s Harry Thomas, who has drawn barrier 11, along with the Justin Warwick duo of Noir De Rue and Utgard Loki. Lucy Warwick will again ride Noir De Rue, a week after she almost was dislodged from the six-year-old nearing the home turn. Warwick’s nine-year-old Material Man performed strongly in his 1000m trial at Belmont Park on Monday, where he finished second to Pym’s Royale. The nine-year-old began steadily out of the gates and settled into fourth while pursuing an outside path. Right before the home turn, Lucy Warwick sent Material Man three wide and the champion took advantage of the decent space in front of him. With 300m to run, the nine-year-old momentarily overtook race leader Speeding Comet, however he was unable to tame a surging Pym’s Royale who motored down the outside of the track with Mitchell Pateman in the saddle.