Adelaide Cup – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are 16 runners for the $302,250 Adelaide Cup with 15 geldings and one mare. There are two 4YOs, one 5YO, five 6YOs, five 7YOs, two 8YOs and one 9YO. Six runners had their last start in the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes over 2600m at Morphettville on 25 February, three in a the Listed Torney Night Cup over 2500m at Moonee Valley on 17 February and three in a BM 78 Handicap over 2500m at Murray Bridge on 4 March, while the remaining 4 all came via different races. Only 2 runners have won at 3200m or longer (Amade and True Marvel). Trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have two runners.

The betting market is very open. The early favourite is Grand Promenade who who has won 5 races from 1400m to 2600m and was 0.7 length 3rd in the Lord Reims. Second favourite is Persan from the Maher & Eustace stable who was won up to 2600m. Third favourite is Highland Jakk who was the winner of the Lord Reims. Aurora’s Symphony has won his last 2 starts the Colac Cup over 2000m then the Group 3 Launceston Cup over 2400m. The rest of the runners are currently over $12.

1. Persan (10)

One of 2 runners from the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable. Faded to finish 5th in the Torney Night Cup but won the Listed JRA Trophy over 2600m at Flemington three runs back. Adelaide may get rain on Sunday and he is proven on softer tracks. One of the chances.

2. Grand Promenade (5)

Finished 0.7 length 3rd in the Lord Reims last start. That looked a nice lead-up. He ran 14th in last year’s Melbourne Cup so has tackled the distance before. Rates highly with John Allen riding, Strong chance.

3. Amade (7)

At 9YO he is the oldest runner this year. He has 9 wins ranging from 2150m to 3400m, so will have no trouble with the distance. Last start he was slowly away losing 3 lengths at the start and ran 2.7 lengths 3rd in the Listed Victoria Gold Cup over 2100m at Sandown on 25 February. Wouldn’t surprise to see him go well here.

4. Aurora’s Symphony (1)

Drawn perfectly in barrier 1. Won his last 2 starts – the Colac Cup over 2000m then the Group 3 Launceston Cup over 2400m. Jockey Blaike McDougall sticks after the Launceston Cup win. Should go well.

5. Chalk Stream (15)

Won the Listed Australia Day Cup over 2400m at Warwick Farm on 26 January, then only beat one home in the Torney Night Cup last start. Has 4 wins at 24oom but not sure if he’s up for the 2 miles.

6. Stafford’s Lad (11)

Good WA horse who was 2nd in the Perth Cup 3 starts back. Got too far back in the Lord Reims and worked late to finish 6th. Not the worst.

7. Team Captain (12)

He is bred for staying and ran 2nd in the Sandown Cup over 3200m on 26 November. Resumed in the Lord Reims where he had the outside barrier and finished 7th. That was a big ask to tackle 2600m first-up and he is a place chance here.

8. Highland Jakk (2)

Trained by Robert Hickmott who knows how to prepare a stayer. Chased hard to the line for 0.5 2nd over 2400m at Sandown Hillside on 11 February then won the Lord Reims last start. One of the main chances.

9. Stars Of Carrum (6)

This horse has only won one of his 37 starts. Last outing he finished 0.4 lengh 2nd in the Lord Reims coming from mid-field with a solid run. In the mix.

10. Sebonna (8)

Finished 4.7 lengths 4th in the Lord Reims.

11. True Marvel (16)

Has 7 wins from 2100m to 3800m. Finished 3rd in the Torney Night Cup. Not the worst.

12. Wheels (4)

The only mare in the race. Won her last 2 in a row at Morphettville and Murray Bridge. Has strong staying blood on both sides of her pedigree and is worth putting in the exotics.

13. Wagon Wheel (3)

Has 2 wins and 3 places from his 8 starts. Having his first attempt at black-type and is a sneaky place chance.

14. Wolf Prince (14)

Has had 5 starts this campaign and hasn’t ran in the trifecta. Seems unlikely.

15. Rebel Racer (9)

Won by 3.8 lengths over 3000m at Moonee Valley on 24 February. Won’t be far away in the run and is worth a small each way bet at the current $46.

16. Busker’s Ballad (5)

Finished 3rd at Murry Bridge last start. Prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Grand Promenade
1 Persan
7 Team Captain
8 Highland Jakk