3 minute read

The Chris Gangemi trained West Africa remains a big watch fresh on Saturday, as he appears well placed to make a winning return at Ascot.

Formerly trained by Mark Kavanagh, the son of Henrythenavigator burst onto the scene in November 2013, with a slashing nine length victory on debut at Kilmore.

Touted a future star following the event, West Africa was unable to live up to hype, unplaced in his next three starts.

He rounded out his career in Victoria, with a narrow win at Geelong before joining Gangemi's team in October last year.

A close third on debut, West Africa proceeded to disappoint prior to break, however he looks to be back in great order, following a handy trial performance at Belmont.

West Africa has placed in two of three fresh attempts and has placed in two of four attempts over this distance range.

In what can be described as a fairly mediocre event, West Africa is well placed and should look to adopt a forward position from the wide draw.

Currently installed a 5-2 chance appears more than a worthy gamble, as if priced up on best form we have him marked the 6-4 favourite.

Although to this point West Africa has promised the world and delivered an atlas, he can take a step forward on Saturday and prove very hard to beat.

The Simon Miller trained Lunar Eclipse returned in great order last start and looks on-track to notch up back-to-back wins in the fifth event.

Although stepping up sharply in grade from his maiden win at Bunbury, the son of Choisir appears more than capable, as he was rated a lot higher than your average maiden winner.

More notably, when applying sectional mark-ups, his performance doesn't rate far off the top rated Wicked Hunter.

Stepping out for just his seventh start, he is open to further improvement and gets in well after Azzopardi's claim.

Currently installed a 5-2 chance appears more than fair as if priced on potential ratings, he is closer to a 2-1 chance.

From the inside draw, he is expected to settle midfield and should prove hard to hold out in the straight.

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 3 #8 West Africa @ $3.50

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 5 #6 Lunar Eclipse @ $3.50