Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 11 runners for the Asian Beau Stakes this year, with 8 gelding and 3 mares. Four runners had their last start in the Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes over 1400m at Ascot 2 weeks ago and five are resuming, including two that had their last start in the Group 3 Strickland Stakes over 2000m at Belmont on 10th June. Two runners are sired by Blackfriars.

The early favourite is smart mare Alsephina who has 9 wins and 2 places from her 11 starts. She is first-up after 43 weeks and has been trialling well. Second favourite is Searchin’ Roc’s who has had an 8 week let-up after winning the Listed Farnley Stakes over 1400m at Belmont. Third favourite is Admiration Express who hasn’t started since running 3rd in the WA Oaks 32 weeks ago. River Rubicon ran 1.6 lengths 6th in the Eurythmic. The other runners are currently $11 or longer.

1. Marocchino (1)

Good stayer who resumed to run 13th in the Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes over 1400m at Ascot 2 weeks ago. Wait for him later over further.

2. Last Of The Line (5)

One of 2 runners sired by Blackfriars (the other is Black Fantasy). Hasn’t started for 21 weeks when he won the Group 3 Strickland Stakes over 2000m at Belmont on 1oth June. Has a good record at this track and distance and is capable of getting into the money.

3. Dom To Shoot (8)

Resumes from a 21 week spell after 0.9 length 3rd in the Strickland Stakes. Usually needs his first-up run.

4. Searchin’ Roc’s (6)

Has had an 8 week let-up after winning the Listed Farnley Stakes over 1400m at Belmont on 9th September. Has placed in a recent trial and is one of the main hopes.

5. Titan Blinders (3)

This 8YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. He resumed from a 21 week spell for 3rd in the Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes over 1200m at Belmont on 30th September, then was 1.6 lengths 5th in the Eurythmic. Not the worst.

6. Admiration Express (9)

Hasn’t started for 32 weeks after running 3rd in the Group 3 WA Oaks over 2400m at Ascot on 25th March. She is better over further but could show up fresh.

7. Alsephina (2)

Very smart mare who has 9 wins and 2 places from her 11 starts. She is first-up after 43 weeks and has been trialling well. At the end of last campaign she won the Listed Starstruck Classic over 1600m at Ascot on 17th December, then won the Group 3 La Trice Classic over 1800m at Ascot on 1st January. She has drawn barrier 2 and has William Pike. Very capable of winning this.

8. Black Fantasy (4)

Back from a long spell of 66 weeks after winning 3 races in a row at Belmont in July 2022, including the Listed Aquanita Stakes and the Listed Belmont Classic. He has had several trials and looks ready to go. In the mix.

9. River Rubicon (7)

Ran 1.6 lengths 6th in the Eurythmic after being held up for the majority of the straight. Looked unlucky and could place here.

10. Sentimental Hero (11)

Has a win and 2 places from 3 starts this preparation. Don’t dismiss.

11. Weaponson (10)

Was brilliant last preparation but has failed to impress in 3 starts this time in. Looks tested.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 Alsephina
4 Searchin’ Roc’s
6 Admiration Express
8 Black Fantasy

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Marocchino
2nd	7 Alsephina	0.83 length
3rd	2 Last Of The Line	1.74 lengths
4th	8 Black Fantasy	2.34 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 3. Dom To Shoot.