Track: Good 4 Weather: Overcast

Following the early scratching of Willybeafactor there are sixteen runners and an emergency remaining for the 2024 BTR Excavations Balaklava Cup with 11 geldings and 6 mares. There are two 4YOs, five 5YOs, eight 6YOs, one 7YO and one 8YO. Seven runners had their last start in the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 24th August (won by Second To Nun), four in a BM 82 Handicap over 1600m at Morphettville on 31^st August (won by Maracourt) and two in a BM 70 over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 24^th August (won by The Guava), while the rest all came through different races. Two runners are sired by Tavistock. Michael Hickmott has 5 runners, Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea have 3 runners and Andrew Gluyas has 2 runners.

The betting is wide open. Currently early favouritism is shared between Favourite Child, who was 5^th in the Leon Macdonald, and Arqana who comes off consecutive wins in Melbourne. Third favourite is Second To Nun who won the Leon Macdonald. Alpine Flyer was a last-start winner at Morphettville Parks, while Air Assault peaked in the final 100m to finish nearly 4 lengths off the winner in the Leon Macdonald when second-up. The rest of the runners are currently $13 or more.

1. Second To Nun (9)

One of 3 runners for Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea (the others are Favourite Child and Sachem). Won the Leon Macdonald which is the traditional lead-up for this race. Should go well.

2. Pudding (11)

A good horse but prefer over longer.

3. Air Assault (18)

One of 2 runners for Andrew Gluyas (the other is Arugamama). Drawn the outside barrier. Peaked in the final 100m to finish nearly 4 lengths off the winner in the Leon Macdonald when second-up.

4. My Khalifa (13)

Has won at this track before but is better over shorter.

5. Lord Vladivostok (5)

One of 5 runners for Michael Hickmott (the others are Alpine Flyer, Dubai Poet, Riverplate and Maracourt). Faded to finish 8th when first-up in the Leon Macdonald. Looking elsewhere.

6. Alpine Flyer (6)

Won by 2 lengths on a heavy track at Morphettville Parks last start and all 7 of her wins have been on soft or heavy going. Any rain will increase her chances.

7. Arugamama (10)

Ran 6th last start but could peak third-up.

8. Dubai Poet (17)

Has good early speed to offset the wide barrier. Not the worst.

9. Favourite Child (8)

Good effort last start for 2 lengths 5th in the Leon Macdonald. Jamie Kah takes the ride. Strong chance.

10. Prince Jofra (3)

On a 4 day back-up after running 6th of 8 over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on Saturday. Prefer others.

11. Wild Imagination (16)

Drawn wide and hasn’t shown much this campaign.

12. Sir Kingsford (14)

A very close 2nd over 1400m at the Parks when first-up. Goes well at the distance and has placed twice at Balaklava. Has to be included in the chances.

13. Riverplate (7)

Finished 0.6 length 4th at Murray Bridge last start. Not the worst.

14. Arqana (1)

Comes off consecutive wins at Sandown Hillside and Flemington and has drawn the inside barrier. One of the main chances.

15. Maracourt (2)

Chasing a hat-trick after wins over 1600m at Murray Bridge then Morphettville. Placed 4 times in a row before that. Having his first try at Listed level and looks well-suited.

16. Tippa (4)

Knuckled down nicely to grab 3rd over 1400m at Morphettville Parks last start. In the mix.

17. Willybeafactor (12)

SCRATCHED

18. Sachem (15)

Won 2 in a row then was 0.4 length off the winner to place last start. Sneaky chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
15 Maracourt
9 Favourite Child
14 Arqana
3 Air Assault

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Air Assault
2nd	8 Dubai Poet	0.4 length
3rd	16 Tippa	1.4 lengths
4th	12 Sir Kingsford	1.7 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 5. Lord Vladivostock, 9. Favourite Child (at barrier), 17e. Willybeafactor, 18e. Sachem.