3YO Sunlight Classic (Moomba Plate) – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There are 16 runners plus an emergency for the Listed Sunlight Classic following the scratching of 2nd emergency Tropicconi. There are 10 fillies, 6 geldings and a colt, with 2 runners sired by Shalaa and 2 by Street Boss. Four runners had their last start in a 3YO handicap over 1100m at Flemington on 11 March, three in the Group 3 Zeditave Stakes over 1200m at Sandown Lakeside on 25 February, two in the Inglis Sprint Out over 1200m at Flemington on 4 March and two in a 3YO Fillies handicap over 1000m at Flemington on 4 March. Trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have 3 runners, Mick Price & Michal Kent (Jnr) have 2 and so does Cliff Brown.

The early favourite is the colt What You Need who has won both his starts by big margins. Second favourite is Benedetta who has won 4 in a row. Third favourite is Recommendation who comes off a win in the Zeditave. Rich Fortune finished 3rd in that race after striking interference. All other runners are currently $20 or more.

1. Sebonack (2)

Finished well back in the Inglis Sprint Out. Gets the blinkers on for the first time. Unlikely.

2. Recommendation (11)

Comes off a win in the Zeditave Stakes for 4 wins and a place from 6 starts. One of the chances.

3. Seven Veils (10)

Resumes after 27 weeks. Prefer others.

4. Renosu (8)

Last start winner over 1100m at Warwick Farm. Will be fitter and could place.

5. Castillian (9)

First-up after 29 week spell following gelding. Prefer to watch.

6. Kaygeebee (5)

Won his first 2 starts then finished 2nd behind What You Need last outing. Should go well.

7. Lincoln Square (7)

Ran 4.5 lengths 3rd when resuming. Not the worst.

8. What You Need (17)

Has won both his starts by big margins. Barrier 17 is no help but he is good enough to overcome that.

9. Rich Fortune (16)

Finished 3rd in the Zeditave Stakes after striking interference. In the mix.

10. Benedetta (1)

Has won 4 in a row and all by decent margins. Has drawn the inside barrier and is one of the main chances.

11. She Dances (13)

She has 4 wins from 7 starts and won’t be far away.

12. La Danseuse Rouge (6)

This looks too strong.

13. Wild Belle (15)

Has been running well in Western Australia. Came to Melbourne and finished 1.5 lengths 7th over 1000m where she was found to be lame. capable of getting in the prizemoney.

14. Arctic Fairy (3)

Has 2 wins and 2 places from 4 starts, but will find this race a lot tougher than what she has seen before.

15. Tan Tat Magic (4)

Looks outclassed

16. Greece (18)

Has drawn the outside barrier. Sneaky chance.

17e. Lady Di Di (14)

This looks too strong.

18e. Tropicconi (12)  – SCRATCHED

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Lewis Oliver’s Tips
10 Benedetta	8 What You Need
8 What You Need	10 Benedetta
6 Kaygeebee	6 Kaygeebee
2 Recommendation	1 Sebonack

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	8 What You Need
2nd	4 Renosu	1 length
3rd	10 Benedetta	1.2 lengths
4th	11 She Dances	2.2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 2. Recommendation, 3. Seven Veils, 18e. Tropicconi.