Australia Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Hot

There is a small field of 8 runners lining up for the $350,000 Australia Stakes with 7 geldings and one mare. There is one 4YO, three 5YOs, three 6YOs and one 7YO. Two runners had their last start in the Group 3 Standish Handicap over 1200m at Flemington on 14 January, while the other runners all came via different races. Trainers John Leek (Jnr) and Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea have two runners each. Three of the runners are dual acceptors in the Durbridge Stakes in Adelaide.

The early favourite is  Jigsaw who has won all 3 starts this preparation. Second favourite is Snapper who won the Standish last start. Third favourite is the mare Turaath who won the Listed Black Pearl Stakes at Geelong 2 starts back. Beau Rossa had his last 2 starts in WA while Calypso Reign has 5 wins at this distance. The other runners are currently $12 or longer.

1. Superstorm (3)

Hasn’t started since 6th on the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes over 2000m at Flemington in November 2021. First run for John Leek (Jnr). Prefer to see after 64 weeks off.

2. Western Empire (4)

Finished 5.5 lengths 7th in the Standish last start at Flemington when fresh and generally strong second-up. Not the worst.

3. Ironclad (1)

One of 2 runners for Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea. This 7YO has had his last 3 starts in WA where he finished a length 2nd in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 3 December, then was 3.3 lengths 3rd in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes over 2100m at Ascot on 17 December. Has had a 6 week let-up and is a talented runner but would prefer him over more distance.

4. Beau Rossa (8)

Another who has had his last 2 starts at Ascot in WA and hasn’t raced since 10 December. Won a Strathalbyn trial over 1000m on 16 January and has 3 wins and a place from 7 starts at Morphettville. One of the main hopes.

5. Jigsaw (2)

Has won all 3 starts this campaign with a 3 length win in the Apache Cat Classic ar Cranbourne on 12 November, a 0.8 length win in the Listed Doveton Stakes over 1000m at Caulfield on 26 November and a 0.8 length win in the Listed Christmas Stakes over 1100m at Sandown on 26 December. Can make it 4 in a row.

6. Snapper (5)

Won the Group 3 Standish Handicap over 1200m at Flemington last start. Has 4 wins from 7 starts at Moonee Valley and should figure in the finish.

7. Calypso Reign (6)

Resumes from a 19 week spell after 1.3 length 4th in the Listed W H Wylie Handicap. Has won 2 from 5 first-up runs and placed in the other 3. Placed in a  Strahalbyn trial on 16 January and is in the mix.

8. Turaath (7)

The only mare in the race. She finished 3rd in this race last year. Resumes from a 13 week break and placed at her only previous start here. One of the chances.

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