A.T.A. Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 13 runners for the $125,000 ATA Stakes with 10 geldings and 3 mares. There are 5 four-year-olds, 3 five-year-olds, 2 six-year-olds, one seven-year-old. one nine-year-old and one ten-year-old. Six runners had their last start in the Listed G.A. Towton Cup over 2200m at Ascot on 9th December won by Black Fantasy, three in a BM 66+ Handicap over 2200m at Ascot won by Demolish, while the other 4 came via different races. Two runners are sired by Galah, 2 by Blackfriars and 2 by Dundeel. Trainers Daniel & Ben Pearce have 4 runners while Neville Parnham and Donna Riordan have 2 each.

The early favourite is Queen Alina who was 2nd in the Towton Cup and meets the winner 3 kg better at the weights. Second favourite is Black Fantasy who was the 0.8 length winner of the Towton Cup. Third favourite is Desennea who has won his last 3 starts and has 5 wins from 8 starts. Diamond Scene has won all 4 of his starts this campaign, while Demolish comes off a win at this track and distance on 9th December. The other runners are currently $11 or longer.

1. Let’s Galahvant (3)

One of 2 runners sired by Galah (the other is Desennea). Last start winner of the Listed Carbine Club over 1400m at Ascot on 25th November. This is a big rise in distance. Prefer others.

2. Black Fantasy (2)

Was the 0.8 length winner of the the Listed G.A. Towton Cup over 2200m at Ascot on 9th December. One of 2 runners sired by Blackfriars (the other is Friar Away). Should run well again.

3. Atlantis Beach (4)

Finished 6th in the Towton Cup. Not the worst.

4. Blazing Away (1)

Ran 5th in the Towton with good closing splits. Rough place chance.

5. Demolish (11)

Comes off a win in a BM 66+ Handicap over 2200m at Ascot on 9th December and looks to have peaked at the right time.

6. Desennea (7)

Has won his last 3 starts and has 5 wins from 8 starts. Should make his presence felt.

7. Diamond Scene (13)

Has won all 4 of his starts this campaign. Drawn the widest barrier but can be there at the finish. Great each-way bet.

8. Dun With The Blues (5)

One of 2 runners sired by Dundeel (the other is Truly Inspired). Has won over this distance before and is a place chance.

9. Friar Away (9)

This 10YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. Ran 2 lengths behind Demolish last start. Unlikely.

10. Ihts Closing Inn (10)

Was clearly looking for further when 6th over 1600m on 9th December. Could surprise.

11. Neufbosc (6)

Ran 3rd in this race last year and won it in 2020. Was 3rd behind Balck Fantasy and Queen Alina last start. Don’t dismiss.

12. Queen Alina (8)

Was 2nd in the Towton Cup and meets the winner 3 kg better at the weights. Chance.

13. Truly Inspired (12)

Won this race last year. Was 4th in the Towton Cup. Looks safely held.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 Diamond Scene
6 Desennea
2 Black Fantasy
5 Demolish

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	12 Queen Alina
2nd	2 Black Fantasy	0.41 length
3rd	4 Blazing Away	0.52 length
4th	7 Diamond Scene	0.73 length

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratching: 1. Let’s Galahvant.