Australia Day Cup – 2023

Track: Soft Weather: Overcast

They do battle over the 2400m and Spirit Ridge leads the market. It comes off a strong last start win and maps for a beautiful run in transit but has come up a short price. Bonny Ezra mixes its form but should relish a soft track and also maps well. Grandslam doesn’t win out of turn but does find a drop in grade while Mission Phoenix continues to win and has the right running pattern to give this a shake. The very in form Tyler Schiller does the steering. Parry Sound is looming at large odds after a luckless run last start. There should be good tempo in this.

1. Spirit Ridge (2)

Spirit Ridge won well last start, gets the kind draw and the services of J-Mac but my query with it is putting 2 wins together back to back. It certainly is in the mix and maps for a kind run but $3.50 does seem awfully thin.

2. Bonny Ezra (3)

Mixes form but should enjoy the soft footing and kind draw. Waller is a master at placing them and Avdulla is in good form. Well in the mix against this lot.

3. Grandslam (7)

Needs to lift this prep but is well weighted here with 55.5 on the back. Keep an eye on the market and respect any moves.

4. Mission Phoenix (15)

Having a super prep and continues to win. Barrier 15 will pose a challenge in a race with good speed but the in form apprentice does the steering and it is very hard to knock the way Mission Phoenix is going. Hard to beat.

5. Parry Sound (5)

Have Parry Sound on top in this. Luckless last run but showed a good finale behind the handy Sky Lab and that looks the best form coming into this race. Tommy Berry should be able to camp off the hot speed from barrier 5 and this race is well within reach.

6. Chalk Stream (8)

Becoming far too costly for punters. Loves this trip but does need another win before considering.

7. Just Business (14)

Can’t have.

8. Made By Khan (10)

Tough galloper that will plonk on speed and try his heart out. Tim Clark is a suitable booking and give in the ground is a plus. Can win.

9. Outlandos (12)

Has been around the mark without winning and the in form Brett Prebble navigates from the wide draw. This race is within reach but Outlandos is due for a win.

10. Raging Bull (9)

Should improve up in trip but will be more likely with more runs under the belt.

11. Military Mission (4)

Racing well this prep and should be able to give a nice sight with 53kgs on the back. Any sting out of the ground is a plus and Military Mission is drawn to do no work.

12. Fun Fact (1)

Can’t have.

13. Criminal Code (6)

Hard to catch from a punters perspective. Prefer others.

14. Bacio Del Mist (13)

Having an okay prep without winning. No easier here so keep an eye on the market and respect any moves.

15. Main Stage (16)

Won’t get many favours here in a race with a stack of speed. Prefer others.

16. Lady Redwood (11)

Can’t have.

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

Bryce Parker’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Parry Sound	1 Spirit Ridge
4 Mission Phoenix	5 Parry Sound
1 Spirit Ridge	11 Military Mission
2 Bonny Ezra	4 Mission Phoenix