2008 Stan Fox Stakes – 27 September 2008

The Arrowfield Stud Stan Fox Stakes is a three-year-old set-weights race that was first run in 1975. The Group 2 race is over 1400 metres and carries prizemoney of $200,000. This year there is a field of eight, although the early favourite Duporth is a dual acceptor and may start in the George Main stakes against the older horses.

Duporth flew home to win the Golden Rose at his last start on 30 August over 1400 metres at Rosehill, and on the basis of that run he looks as if he can win here. Second in the betting market is Love And Kisses, who is the only filly in the field. She has one win, two seconds and three thirds from her six race starts and has been placed behind the very smart Samantha Miss at her last two outings. She always gives her best and fights on gamely.

Just behind her in the betting is Dreamscape who has a win and a third placing from his two starts. The third was behind Predatory Pricer in the Ming Dynasty, and he should be better for the race experience. Another horse with only two starts is Judge Me Not who has a win and a second place in Queensland. He is a Lonhro colt, and Lonhro won the Stan Fox in 2001. Lonhros sire Octagonal won the race in 1995.

Whitefriars, trained by Rick Worthington at Goulburn, is a horse who has showed some promise, and he rates highly for this race. Chilled has seven race starts, giving him the most race experience in the field. He has won three of his four starts in Queensland this campaign over distances from 900 to 1500 metres, and must be considered one of the chances.

by Jo Jackson