Auraria Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratchings of Whispering Lady and Wanda’s Outlaw, 18 runners remain for the Auraria Stakes. Five of the runners had their last start in the Listed Clare Lindop Stakes over 1600m at Morphettville on 1 April, while the rest all came via different races. All the runners have had from 3 to 9 starts and 3 of them are still maidens. Trainers Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas and Ciaron Maher & David Eustace both have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Party Princess who drove hard late for a very close 2nd in the Clare Lindop. Second favourite is Jennilala who was a close 2nd at Sandown last start. Third favourite is Tass who was 3rd in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes at The Valley on 24 March. Let’sbefrankbaby was a last start winner at Cranbourne, while Arugamama finished 3rd in the Clare Lindop. The rest of the runners are currently over $10.

1. More Reward (7)

Finished 5th in the Clare Lindop. Rough place chance.

2. Let’sbefrankbaby (12)

Last start she was a length winner over 1600m at Cranbourne. Has the ability to go well here.

3. Party Princess (11)

One of two runners for Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas (the other is Arugamama0. She drove hard late for a very close 2nd in the Clare Lindop and the extra 200m will suit. One of the main chances.

4. Tass (18)

Ran 3rd in the Group 3 Alexandra Stakes over 1600m at The Valley on 24 March. One of two runners for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace (the other is Jennilala). Drawn barrier 18 and can figure in the finish if she can overcome the wide draw.

5. Born Hustler (5)

Gets blinkers on for the first time. Not the worst.

6. Jennilala (15)

Was a close 2nd at Sandown last start but not sure if she will handle the distance.

7. Anphina (2)

Finished 3rd in the Clare Lindop. Rough place chance.

8. Rich Result (17)

Has 2 wins from 6 starts but the wide barrier will make this too tough.

9. Arugamama (13)

Put in a good effort for 3rd in the Clare Lindop. In the mix.

10. Misspoke (9)

Took over at the 250m and raced away for a 2 length win in a Maiden Plate over 2100m at Stony Creek on 12 March. Looked like a stayer in the making and wouldn’t surprise to see her in the finish.

11. Unusual Pearl (1)

Gets the inside barrier. Has a win and 2 places from 3 starts. Prefer others.

12. Nakamoto (6)

Prefer others.

13. Albanian Icon (8)

Last start winner of a 1887m Maiden at Kyneton. This is much harder.

14. Muzukashii (20)

Gets the extreme outside barrier. Looks tested.

15. Whispering Lady (19)  – SCRATCHED

16. November Falls (4)

First metropolitan race. Looking elsewhere.

17. Wanda’s Outlaw (3)  – SCRATCHED

18. Ravin (16)

Gets blinkers for the first time. Prefer others.

19. Savsonic (10)

Still a maiden. Not keen.

20. Tottenham Hotspur (14)

No.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
3 Party Princess
2 Let’sbefrankbaby
1 More Reward
10 Misspoke

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Jennilala
2nd	9 Arugamama	0.9 length
3rd	2 Let’sbefrankbaby	1.3 lengths
4th	7 Anphina	1.4 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 3. Party Princess, 4. Tass, 11. Unusual Pearl, 15. Whispering Lady, 17. Wanda’s Outlaw.