Balaklava Cup – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

Sixteen runners and an emergency have accepted for the 2023 Balaklava Cup with 13 geldings and 4 mares. There are five 5YOs, four 6YOs, five 7YOs. two 8YOs and one 9YO. Six runners had their last start in the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 26th August and three in a BM 82 Handicap over 1600m at Morphettville on 2 September, while the rest all came through different races. Richard & Chantelle Jolly have 3 runners and Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea and Phillip Stokes both have 2 runners.

The betting is wide open. Currently early favouritism is shared between Pudding and Silent Surrente who both ran in the Leon Macdonald last start and finished 7th & 9th respectively 3.4 and 4 lengths off the winner. Third favourite is Montign who finished 2.48 lengths 5th in that race. Hopon Harry was held up but nearly won over 1600m at Morphettville on 2nd September. Alpine Flyer is on a four day back-up and has won 2 of 3 starts this preparation. Regal Azmon won last start at Morphettvile and is drawn perfectly, while Wild Imagination finished 12th in the Leon Macdonald but won two races in a row before that. The rest of the runners are currently $16 or more.

1. Ironclad (3)

One of 2 runners for Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea (the other is Silent Surrente). Finished 5.9 lengths 10th in the Leon Macdonald after resuming from a 21 week spell to finish 9th in the Behemoth where he was never in it. Drawn the outside barrier. Looking to others.

2. Regalo Di Gaetano (4)

One of 3 runners for Richard & Chantelle Jolly (the others are Wild Imagination and Pudding). He resumed from a 14 week break to only beat one runner home in the Leon Macdonald. Generally improves second-up but prefer others.

3. Write Your Name (7)

This 8YO comes off a 3.5 length win in the Darwin Cup over 2050m on 7 August. Returns to a shorter trip and trialled recently. Having his first run at the track and this is his first black-type race. In the mix.

4. Montign (8)

Honest effort to finish 2.8 lengths 5th in the Leon Macdonald. Place chance.

5. Wild Chap (10)

Unplaced in all nine runs this campaign and returns to a shorter trip. Unlikely.

6. Wild Imagination (14)

Finished 12th in the Leon Macdonald but won two races in a row before that. She raced wide without cover and covered a lot of ground last start, and could show up here as she does her best over a mile.

7. Pudding (15)

One of the runners for Richard & Chantelle Jolly. Won at Morphettville Parks then Murray Bridge before coming back from a 10 week let-up for 3.4  lengths 7th in the Leon Macdonald where she covered extra ground. One of the main chances.

8. Hopon Harry (12)

Was held up and lost position but nearly won over 1600m at Morphettville on 2nd September. Rates highly with Jason Holder aboard and can figure in the finish.

9. Regal Azmon (1)

Chased strongly to win over 1600m at Morphettville on 2nd September. Has 2 wins from 4 starts this campaign and has drawn the inside barrier. Tends to get back in his races so will need some luck in the big field, but looks a nice each-way chance.

10. Silent Surrente (6)

Ran in the Leon Macdonald last start and finished 9th, 4 lengths off the winner. The rise in distance suits and she should make her presence felt.

11. Excelman (11)

Change of trainer from Richard Laming to K McKerlie & W Hornhardt in August 2023. He’s had one start since then where he finished 2.9 lengths 6th over 1550m at Morphettville Parks on 26 August. was taken out wide and can improve on that.

12. Silent Command (2)

Came from last to do his best work late over 1250m at Morphettville Parks on 19 August. Will prefer this distance.

13. Alpine Flyer (9)

On a four day back-up and has won 2 of 3 starts this preparation. Has won 5 of her 13 starts and should be competitive.

14. Call Me Shamus (16)

One of the 2 runners for Phillip Stokes (the other is Regal Azmon). Resumed after 24 week spell to finish midfield over 1250m at Morphettville Parks. Prefer others.

15. Jack The Lad (5)

Narrowly beaten behind Regal Azmon over 1600m at Morphettville on 2 September. Not the worst.

16. More Sugar (13)

Has finished 3rd at her last 2 starts – both at Morphettville. Don’t dismiss.

17e. Lomax (17)

Narrowly beaten when heavily backed last start over 2000m at Murray Bridge where she took a lot of late ground off the winner. Down in distance. Not keen.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
9 Regal Azmon
7 Pudding
13 Alpine Flyer
8 Hopon Harry

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Ironclad
2nd	15 Jack The Lad	0.2 length
3rd	5 Wild Chap	1.1 lengths
4th	13 Alpine Flyer	1.5 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratching: 17e. Lomax.