Aquanita Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the Aquanita Stakes this year and they are all geldings. Four of the runners had their last start in the Listed Belmont Guineas over 1600m at Belmont on 17 June, two in a Class 3 Handicap over 1650m at Belmont on 21 June and three in a  maiden over 2000m at Pinjarra Park on 22 June, while the rest came via different races. Trainers Luke Fernie and Daniel & Ben Pearce both have 2 runners. Two runners are sired by Manhattan Rain

The early favourite is Upper Limits who finished 2nd to a top class filly in the Belmont Guineas last start. Second favourite is Demolish who was 3rd in that race. Third favourite is Mojo’s Luck who finished 4th in the Belmont Guineas. Kosta’s Crown is on a seven day back-up, while Manhattan Strip ran on strongly for 2nd over 1650m last start. The other runners are currently $16 or more.

1. Kosta’s Crown (7)

On a seven day back-up after running 5th over 1400m on a heavy track. Always runs well. Place chance.

2. Demolish (4)

Ran 3rd in the Belmont Guineas to give him his 4th placing in 5 runs at Listed level.. Is generally strong second-up and is at least a place chance.

3. Upper Limits (9)

Finished 2nd to a top class filly in the Belmont Guineas last start. Should go close again.

4. Secret Identity (13)

Trained by Adam Durrant who has won this race on a couple of occasions. Runner-up at his last 2 starts and is in the mix.

5. Mojo’s Luck (5)

One of 2 runners for trainer Luke Fernie. Finished 4th in the Belmont Guineas. Chance.

6. Manhattan Strip (1)

One of 2 runners trained by Daniel & Ben Pearce who won this race last year with Black Fantasy.  This gelding is one of 2 runners in the race sired by Manhattan Rain (the other is Santa Brae). He ran on strongly for 2nd over 1650m last start and has drawn barrier 1. Can surprise.

7. Prince I Think (12)

Has only won one of his 13 starts and has drawn barrier 12. Prefer others.

8. Santa Brae (6)

The only runner to have won at this distance after a narrow win in a Pinjarra Park maiden last start. Will find this tougher, but don’t dismiss.

9. Makin Prophets (3)

His only win was over 1300m. Prefer others.

10. Sizzle Me Patrick (11)

Finished 7th in the Belmont Guineas.  Looking elsewhere.

11. Super Romani (2)

Still a maiden after 6 starts, but has been runner-up 4 times. Not the worst.

12. Tin Chooks (8)

Unlikely.

13. Master Of Ceremony (10)

Seven starts without a place. No.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Demolish
3 Upper Limits
1 Kosta’s Crown
8 Santa Brae

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Upper Limits
2nd	2 Demolish	1.33 lengths
3rd	8 Santa Brae	3.2 lengths
4th	11 Super Romani	3.33 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.