AscotWed, February 21, 2024

SASS MACHINE (2) is fresh from a lay-off of nine months and did hit the frame when last resuming at this track over 5f. In a different yard now. Will be forward for this after a recent trial win at Belmont Park. Well-placed and looks ready to fire. HOT NOVA (5) showed good early dash and raced on the speed last start before fading to finish 8 lengths back in ninth over 6f in the LR Western Autralian Breeders' Classic at Bunbury. Will be handy in the run and should prove hard to run down. DIABLO LAD (1) took advantage of a low draw last time and stalked the lead before going on to score by 0.6 lengths over 5½f at Bunbury. Among the main hopes. NO PEER (6) has not won for a long while. Last raced on January 11 when beaten 3.5 lengths into sixth at Pinjarra over 6½f. Well placed and there is no reason she cannot return to winning ways.