Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are 12 runners for the 2023 Behemoth Stakes with 9 geldings and 3 mares. There are two 4YOs, four 5YOs, one 6YO, three 7YOs. one 8YO and one 9YO. Four runners had their last start in a BM 86 Handicap over 1100m at Morphettville on 29 July, while the rest all came through different races with four of them having their first run this preparation. Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea, David Jolly, Andrew Gluyas and Richard & Channtelle Jolly have 2 runners each.

The early favourite is four-year-old mare See You In Heaven who resumes from a 25 week spell and has raced at Group 3 level 5 times for 2 wins and 2 runner-ups. Second favourite is Savatoxl who is the only Group 1 winner in the race and has a great record at this track. Third favourite is Belle Et Riche who resumes after 27 weeks and has 3 wins and 7 places from her 10 starts. The rest of the runners are currently $10 or more.

1. Savatoxl (6)

This 8YO is the only Group 1 winner in the race as he won the 2021 The Goodwood at this track and distance. He has also won at Group 2, Group 3 and Listed level. He has only had 4 starts in 2023 for a win at Alice Springs (where he began his career) and a win in the Group 3 D C McKay Stakes over 1100m here. At his most recent start he just missed as favourite last start at Darwin. He goes well at this track and is a proven performer on soft going. Commands respect.

2. Ironclad (7)

One of 2 runners for Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea (the other is Boognish). Back from a 21 week spell and generally goes well first-up. Has won 2 from 3 at this track & distance combination. Not without a hope.

3. Calypso Reign (2)

Won this race last year. He is one of two runners for David Jolly (the other is Howl) who has won this race for the last 3 years. Jockey Kayla Crowther is chasing her 3rd consecutive win after riding him to victory last year and winning on Behemoth in 2021. He has never missed the trifecta first-up and has to be included in the chances.

4. Picargo (11)

He’s been relishing the soft and heavy tracks this campaign with 3 wins and 2 runner-ups from 5 starts. He’s having his first attempt at black-type at his 40th start. In the mix.

5. Manhatten Times (10)

One of 2 runners for Andrew Gluyas (the other is Hopon Harry). He has a solid record at this track and distance and has placed in all 4 of his starts at Listed level. Not the worst.

6. Hopon Harry (3)

Resumed for 9th over 1100m at Morphettville last start and should be fitter for that run. Having his first start at Group level. Prefer others.

7. Karacasu (4)

One of 2 runners for Richard & Chantelle Jolly (the other is See You In Heaven). Held off a late challenge for a 0.2 length win over 1100m at Morphettville on 29 July. Has good form at the track but prefer him over 1100m.

8. Extreme Thrill (1)

This 9YO is the oldest runner this year. Nicely drawn in barrier 1 but he has struggled in both rune this preparation. Not keen.

9. Howl (9)

Another runner having his first black-type race. Is never far away. Rough chance.

10. See You In Heaven (12)

Resumes from a 25 week spell and has raced at Group 3 level 5 times for 2 wins and 2 runner-ups. She won the Group 2 Sandown Guineas last November. Won a recent trial at this track. Winning chance.

11. Belle Et Riche (8)

She resumes after 27 weeks and has 3 wins and 7 places from her 10 starts. Hasn’t raced at this track before, but should go well.

12. Boognish (5)

The least experienced horse in the field with only 4 races so far. Last start she came from 11th at the 400m to run 3rd in the Listed Lightning Stakes over 1050m here on 29 July. Eye-catching run and she can make her presence felt.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
10 See You In Heaven
12 Boognish
1 Savatoxl
11 Belle Et Riche

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 See You In Heaven
2nd	1 Savatoxl	1.2 lengths
3rd	5 Manhatten Times	2.2 lengths
4th	3 Calypso Reign	3.6 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 7. Karacasu, 11. Belle Et Riche.