Adelaide Cup – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 17 runners for the 2024 TAB Adelaide Cup with 14 geldings and 3 mares. There are three 4YOs, four 5YOs, four 6YOs, two 7YOs, one 8YO, two 9YOs and a 10YO. Five runners had their last start in the Listed Torney Cup over 2500m at Moonee Valley on 23rd February (won by Monbaher), four in the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes over 2600m at Morphettville on 24th February (won by Yellowbrick Road), three in the Group 3 Launceston Cup over 2400m at Launceston on 28th February (won by Excelleration) and two in a BM 78 Handicap over 2400m at Caulfield on 10th February (won by Wertheimer), while the other 3 came via different races.

The early favourite is The Map who won the JRA Plate first-up then was 2nd in the Lord Reims. Second favourite is Amade who ran 3rd in the Torney Cup last start and looked good for longer, Third favourite is Yellowbrick Road who was a good winner in the Lord Reims. Excelleration comes off a win in the Launceston Cup. Alhambra Lad ran 2nd in the Launceston Cup, while Grand Pierro was 3rd. All other runner are currently $20 or longer.

1. Amade (15)

This 10YO is the oldest runner in the race this year and he ran 3rd in this race last year. Ran 3rd in the Listed Torney Cup over 2500m at Moonee Valley on 23rd February  last start and looked good for longer. Genuine chance.

2. Alhambra Lad (16)

Ran 2nd in the Group 3 Launceston Cup over 2400m at Launceston on 28th February, and like the majority of the runners this year he is having his first attempt over the 2 miles. Chance.

3. Excelleration (13)

Going for a hat-trick after wins at Great Western then the Launceston Cup. Has to be included in the chances.

4. The Map (3)

Won the Listed JRA Plate by 2 lengths first-up then was 2nd in the Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes over 2600m at Morphettville on 24th February. She was slowly away in that race and came from a long way back to grab 2nd. It looked a great lead-up for this and with only 53kg and Jamie Kah riding, she is one of the main chances.

5. Skelm (1)

Worked home strong out wide to run 4th in the Torney Cup. Has won up to 2600m but looks unlikely.

6. Grand Pierro (6)

Came 3rd in the Launceston Cup and gets blinkers back on. Hasn’t won beyond 2200m. Place chance.

7. Yellowbrick Road (11)

Won the Lord Reims last start after a win over 2100m at Sandown Lakeside the start before. In the mix.

8. Port Guillaume (4)

One of only 3 runners to have won over 3200m (the others are Amade and Lincoln King). Nicely drawn but seems unlikely on his 3 runs so far this preparation.

9. Lincoln King (12)

Ran 4 lengths 6th in the Torney Cup last start. Sired by 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking so is a solid staying type. Prefer others.

10. Team Captain (5)

Finished 3 lengths 5th in a BM 78 Handicap over 2400m at Caulfield on 10th February. Has placed over this distance and is a place chance.

11. One Last Kiss (10)

Was a strong winner over 2520m at Flemington before 10th in the Torney Cup where she was held up from the 500m to 150m and had to time to build up her run. Could surprise.

12. Sandastan (9)

Has won 4 of his last 5 races over distances of 2100m to 2500m. Place hope.

13. Oceanic Flash (7)

Hasn’t been far away in recent runs but stepping up in distance. Not keen.

14. Rapinoe (8)

Won over 2500m at Moonee Valley before 4th in the Lord Reims. Not the worst.

15. Roaring Engine (14)

Was a narrow winner over 2400m at Sandown last start and looked ready for further.

16. Eight On The Dot (17)

Looks safely held.

17. Tullaghan (2)

Hasn’t won beyond 2000m. Prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 The Map
1 Amade
7 Yellowbrick Road
10 Team Captain

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Excelleration
2nd	4 The Map	0.1 length
3rd	5 Skelm	2.9 lengths
4th	1 Amade	3.2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 10. Team Captain.