Belmont Sprint – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a full field of 16 plus 3 emergencies for the 2024 Furphy Belmont Sprint with 13 geldings, 5 mares and a filly. There is one 3YO, two 4YOs, six 5YOs, four 7YOs and an 8YO. Eleven of them had their last start in the Group 3 Northam Stakes over 1300m at Northam on 5th May (won by Western Empire), and two in The Joey over 1200m at Ascot on 20th April (won by Magnificent Andy), while the rest came via different races. Three runners are sired by Playing God, three by Gingerbread Man and two by Universal Ruler. Grant & Alana Williams have 3 runners and Daniel & Ben Pearce have 2 runners.

The short-priced early favourite is Western Empire who won the Northam Stakes by 2.5 lengths last start. Second favourite is Alsephina who hasn’t raced since 6th in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 9th December. Third favourite is Valour Road who has also not raced since December. Baby Paris was 4th in the Listed Sheila Gwynne Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 27th April. Magnificent Andy finished 4th in the Northam Stakes after winning The Joey, while Triple Missile was 5th in the Northam Stakes. The other runners are currently $25 or longer.

1. Valour Road (19)

He’s drawn the outside barrier and is the oldest horse in the race this year. Has not raced since December but did win a Listed race first-up here last preparation. Not the worst.

2. Western Empire (15)

Won the Group 3 Northam Stakes over 1300m at Northam by 2.5 lengths on 5th May, beating 10 of the others in this field. Hasn’t raced here before but looks the major hope.

3. Red Can Man (4)

Finished 2nd in this race in 2022. Ran 3rd in the Northam Stakes last start and goes well at this track. Place chance.

4. Marocchino (17)

Hasn’t raced since 9th March and can go well fresh. He’s won 14 of his 55 starts and you should never write him off.

5. Comfort Me (8)

Playing God gelding who loves this track. Was 6th in the Northam Stakes and can place.

6.Triple Missile (6)

Finished 5th in the Northam Stakes. Won  his only previous start at this track. Place chance.

7. Mood Swings (16)

Ran 2.5 lengths 2nd to Western Empire in the Northam Stakes and has drawn very wide. Has won at this track before and has ability. In the mix.

8. Let’s Galahvant (2)

Hasn’t showed anything in his 2 starts this preparation but is capable of rapid improvement. Nicely drawn and a sneaky place chance.

9. Magnificent Andy (9)

Finished 4th in the Northam Stakes after winning The Joey. Came through the pack from 12th last start and is one of the main chances.

10. Ginger Baker (3)

Out to a more suitable distance after 2 runs this campaign, and returns to his favourite track. Wouldn’t surprise to see him in the first few home.

11. Phanta (13)

Resumed from a 20 week break for 3.8 lengths 12th in The Joey, and has won a trial since then. He has super form at this track (6 wins and 3 places from 11 starts) and expect a bold showing.

12. Alsephina (7)

Quality mare who hasn’t raced since 6th in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 9th December. Her career record is 9 wins and 5 places from 15 starts. Should be in the finish.

13. Searchin’ Roc’s (1)

Finished 2.8 lengths 9th in The Joey where she raced wide with no cover and had a torrid run. Nicely drawn here and is in the mix.

14. Baby Paris (12)

This 4YO Playing God mare was 0.9 length 4th in the Listed Sheila Gwynne Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 27th April after a win at Ascot first-up. Should go well.

15. The Velvet Queen (10)

Finished 2nd in this race last year. Didn’t run better than 5th in 4 runs last campaign, so prefer to see.

16.Karli’s Karma (14)

Hard mare to follow, but has decent form at this track.

17e. Super Smink (18)

The baby of the field. Drawn very wide and hasn’t raced here before. Prefer others.

18e. Aztec Ruler (5)

Unlikely to get a run but does have great form at this track.

19e. Mojo Rhythm (11)

Not keen.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Western Empire
12 Alsephina
9 Magnificent Andy
11 Phanta

Result length	Horse	Margin
1st	2 Western Empire
2nd	13 Searchin’ Roc’s	0.03 length
3rd	9 Magnificent Andy	2.87 lengths
4th	5 Comfort Me	3.16 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 12. Alsephina, 17e. Super Smink, 18e. Aztec Ruler, 19e. Mojo Rhythm.