Belmont Classic – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are 9 runners for the Belmont Classic this year with 5 fillies and 4 geldings. All are tackling the 2200m for the first time. The four geldings all had their last start in the Listed Aquanita Stakes over 2000m at Belmont on 1st July, while 4 of the fillies had their last start in the Listed Belmont Oaks over 2000m on 1st July. Trainer Adam Durrant has 2 runners.

The early favourite is Belmont Oaks winner Ihts Closing In who has won her last 4 starts. Second favourite is Aquanita Stakes winner Upper Limits. Third favourite is Demolish who was runner-up in the Aquanita. Secret Attraction  has only raced 3 times and was 3rd in the Belmont Oaks.  The other runners are currently $16 or longer.

1. Demolish (1)

Ran 2nd in the Aquanita Stakes to give him his 5th placing in 6 runs at Listed level. Has drawn the inside barrier and can be in the finish.

2. Upper Limits (5)

Won the Aquanita Stakes by 1.3 lengths after finishing 2nd to a top class filly in the Belmont Guineas. The winning time was nearly 2 seconds faster than the fillies in the Oaks. Should go close again.

3. Prince I Think (7)

Has only won one of his 14 starts but he put in a good effort when 5th in the Aquanita.

4. Makin Prophets (2)

His only win was over 1300m. Prefer others.

5. Ihts Closing Inn (9)

One of 2 runners for Adam Durrrant (the other is Secret Attraction). She has won 5 of her last 6 starts including the Belmont Oaks which was her first attempt at Listed level. Her time was slower than Upper Limits but he carries 1 kg more and she drops 1kg. Very smart filly who is capable of winning this.

6. Amjaad (4)

Finished 1.5 lengths 4th in the Oaks after 5th in the Belmont Guineas. Not the worst.

7. I Love Your Smile (6)

Finished 8th in the Oaks after 6th in the Belmont Guineas. Prefer others.

8. Covert Rose (3)

Last start she was a 2.3 length winner over 1700m at Belmont on a soft track. Goes well here. Place chance.

9. Secret Attraction (8)

She has only raced 3 times. Placed on debut then was an 0.8 length winner over 1600m at Northam before 3rd in the Belmont Oaks. Could surprise.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Ihts Closing In
2 Upper Limits
1 Demolish
9 Secret Attraction

Listed Oaklands Plate 2023 (Morphettville Parks 1400m)

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Ihts Closing Inn
2nd	2 Upper Limits	1.97 lengths
3rd	1 Demolish	2.14 lengths
4th	7 I Love Your Smile	2.32 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

There were no scratchings.