Watering on racecourses is something rarely heard of in the month of October on any of the turf courses.
However, an unseasonably dry autumn has led to such measures and, with another dry weather forecast, it should pay to side with those proven on very quick ground.
One such type is Chaka Zulu, who has been knocking on the door of late and he's sure to give a very good account in the Blanchisseuse Handicap over a mile and a half. Although he's not won for some time he has a good record on firm ground as he's won two of his three outings when encountering such a surface. Ian Semple has enjoyed a terrific campaign and his five-year-old ran right up to his best on his last run on grass at Redcar early last month.
That third to Thunder Canyon over the mile and six furlongs looks strong in the context of this race and he again ran well on unfavourable terms on the sand last time. The drop back to this trip won't be a problem for this keen-going type and he'll be reunited with Robert Winston, who can be relied upon to have him ideally placed from his favourable low draw.
John Hills' Rhythm Of Life has winning form on firm ground and can reverse recent Ascot form with Athenian in the Tote Placepot Showcase Handicap over a mile.
The three-year-old did well to come from behind to win a slowly run race at Sandown on her penultimate start and was far from disgraced from a higher mark at Ascot given that the steady pace was against her.
If ridden with a bit more enterprise this afternoon it'll be no surprise to see her notch her third win from six outings this year.
Fast ground specialist Zandicular takes a drop in grade and makes plenty of appeal in the Buccoo Reef Claiming Stakes over a mile. Richard Hannon's three-year-old wasn't seen to best effect in a competitive handicap at Ascot last time but this will be more to his liking and he's a solid chance at these weights.
At Windsor Sussex Lad, who has been running well of late, has a favourable high draw and looks an interesting runner in the Westside Fruit Ltd Handicap over six furlongs. Paul Chaming's sprinter loves fast ground and ran right up to his best in a competitive handicap behind the in-form Patavellian at Newmarket last week.
There's nothing as progressive as that rival in this field and he's sure to give a very good account on ground that suits should things drop just right for him.
At Plumpton Mickley looks sure to appreciate the step up to two miles and five furlongs and gets the vote in the Jason Lewry Benefit Handicap Hurdle.
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