Hugo Palmer Friday Blog | Ascot Trials Day
29 Apr 2026
Coral Racing Ambassador, Hugo Palmer, previews his two runners on Trials Day at Ascot this Friday as the Berkshire course builds-up towards the Royal Meeting later this summer.
14:00 Ascot – Adaay Of Scarlett
Adaay Of Scarlett won on debut at Newmarket as we expected him to and he’s done very well since. Although there are only four runners here, he’s probably taking a step up in grade and it will be interesting to see how his form compares to the Brocklesby form with the winner of that race, A Bear Affair, in opposition.
Our horse and the Doncaster winner have to carry a penalty for their respective wins, but it’s only three pounds, so in theory about a length. We felt we won with plenty in hand at Newmarket, Oisin [Murphy] didn’t have to pick his stick up that day, so it will be interesting to see what he finds for extra pressure if he does get into a battle here.
As I say, I think he’s done well since his debut, we trained him quite hard for that race as it was important he won that day, but we’ve allowed him to come to himself since then. Martin Dwyer [pundit] was quite rude about him on TV at Newmarket, saying he looked like a filly! Dare I say he’s looking a lot more manly now and I hope that will be born out in his performance.
15:10 Ascot – Ardisia
Having run over seven furlongs in the Greenham Stakes, we’re dropping Ardisia back to the six furlongs we know works for him. I was glad to get that Newbury run into him, although it didn’t go to plan that day, but I wouldn’t rule out a return to seven at some stage. He ran well for a long way that day and I think he possibly just needed that run.
We haven’t done a vast amount with him in the 13 days since, this race was always the target. Originally this was going to be his first run back, but I just thought the Greenham was a race he could have picked prize money up in.
This is billed as the Commonwealth Cup Trial, but as a gelding he can’t run in the main event. He’s run well at Ascot before and we know he likes this trip.
Hugo Palmer, Coral Racing Ambassador
14:00 Ascot – Adaay Of Scarlett
Adaay Of Scarlett won on debut at Newmarket as we expected him to and he’s done very well since. Although there are only four runners here, he’s probably taking a step up in grade and it will be interesting to see how his form compares to the Brocklesby form with the winner of that race, A Bear Affair, in opposition.
Our horse and the Doncaster winner have to carry a penalty for their respective wins, but it’s only three pounds, so in theory about a length. We felt we won with plenty in hand at Newmarket, Oisin [Murphy] didn’t have to pick his stick up that day, so it will be interesting to see what he finds for extra pressure if he does get into a battle here.
As I say, I think he’s done well since his debut, we trained him quite hard for that race as it was important he won that day, but we’ve allowed him to come to himself since then. Martin Dwyer [pundit] was quite rude about him on TV at Newmarket, saying he looked like a filly! Dare I say he’s looking a lot more manly now and I hope that will be born out in his performance.
15:10 Ascot – Ardisia
Having run over seven furlongs in the Greenham Stakes, we’re dropping Ardisia back to the six furlongs we know works for him. I was glad to get that Newbury run into him, although it didn’t go to plan that day, but I wouldn’t rule out a return to seven at some stage. He ran well for a long way that day and I think he possibly just needed that run.
We haven’t done a vast amount with him in the 13 days since, this race was always the target. Originally this was going to be his first run back, but I just thought the Greenham was a race he could have picked prize money up in.
This is billed as the Commonwealth Cup Trial, but as a gelding he can’t run in the main event. He’s run well at Ascot before and we know he likes this trip.
Hugo Palmer, Coral Racing Ambassador
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