Belmont Guineas – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 11 three-year-olds for the Belmont Guineas this year with 7 geldings and 4 fillies. Five runners had their last start in the Listed Raconteur Stakes over 1400m at Belmont on 3 June while the rest came via different races. Two of the runners are sired by Flying Artie.

The early favourite is Rusty Dreams who was overhauled late to finish 0.2 length 2nd in the Raconteur Stakes. Second favourite is Vast Art who has won his last 3 starts in a row, including the Raconteur. Third favourite is Upper Limits who finished 3rd in the Raconteur with the best closing splits of the race. Demolish returns from a let-up after running 5th in the Group 2 WATC Derby. Saintorio struggled when first-up in the Raconteur but has won over the mile,while Pandora Girl is the only maiden in the field but has placed at her last 3 starts. The other runners are currently $20 or more.

1. Saintorio (9)

He struggled when first-up in the Raconteur but has won over the mile, which only 2 of the other runners have done (the others are Vast Art and I Love Your Smile). He usually improves second-up and shouldn’t be far away.

2. Vast Art (11)

One of 2 runners in the race sired by Flying Artie (the other is Amjaad). He has won his last 3 starts in a row, including the Raconteur, and now has 5 wins and 3 places from 10 starts. Has drawn the outside barrier. One of the main chances.

3. Demolish (8)

Returns from a let-up after running 5th in the Group 2 WATC Derby. Has ability but unsure how he’ll go coming back from 2400m.

4. Upper Limits (1)

He finished 3rd in the Raconteur with the best closing splits of the race. Drawn the inside barrier here and although he’s only won one of his 9 starts he has placed at 7 of them. He put the writing on the wall last time out and should feature in the finish. Jockey William Pike has won this race several times before and can win again.

5. Mojo’s Luck (2)

He has a win and 5 places from 11 starts. Stepping up to Listed level for the first time and looks tested.

6. Exceltrain (6)

Has 2 wins and a place from 5 starts. Finished 2.7 lengths 5th in the Raconteur last start and is having his first run over 1600m. Not the worst.

7. Sizzle Me Patrick (4)

The most lightly raced runner in the field with only 4 career starts for a win and 2 places. Ran 3rd over 1100m at Northam last outing where he was closing late. In the mix.

8. Rusty Dreams (10)

A talented filly with 4 wins and 2 places from 6 starts. She was overhauled late to finish 0.2 length 2nd in the Raconteur Stakes. Has won on soft going and should be in the finish.

9. Amjaad (3)

Won over 1400m at Pinjarra Park last outing for her 3rd win in 6 starts. Can handle soft conditions. Chance.

10. I Love Your Smile (7)

On a 7 day back-up after running 3rd over 2000m at Belmont on heavy going where she came from well back in the field. Can surprise.

11. Pandora Girl (5)

The only maiden in the field but has placed at her last 3 starts. Her first try at the 1600m and looks as if the distance will suit.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Upper Limits
8 Rusty Dreams
2 Vast Art
10 I Love Your Smile

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	8 Rusty Dreams
2nd	4 Upper Limits	1.88 lengths
3rd	3 Demolish	2.81 lengths
4th	5 Mojo’s Luck	4.34 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratching: 2. Vast Art.