Bobbie Lewis Quality – 2023

Track: Good  Weather: Fine

Eleven runners have accepted for the 2023 Bobbie Lewis Quality with 7 geldings, a stallion and 3 mares. There are two 4YOs, five 5YOs, three 6YOs and one 8YO. Six horses are first-up from a spell and all runners came through different races.

The early favourite is Benedetta who has won 6 of her 8 starts and placed at the other 2. She resumed from a 19 week spell to win over 1100m at Flemington on 5th August, then was a 0.5 length winner of the Group 3 W.W. Cockram Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield on 2nd September. Second favourite is Star Patrol who is first-up from a 27 week spell and was a 5.5 length winner of a Cranbourne trial on 4th September. Third favourite is King Of Sparta who resumes here and won a recent Randwick trial. Najem Suhail has won both starts since resuming and is drawn to do no work, while It’sourtime has had 8 starts this preparation and not finished worse than 4th. The rest of the runners are currently $15 or more.

1. King Of Sparta (9)

Resumes here after a 16 week spell and won a recent Randwick trial. Goes well fresh and is one of the chances.

2. Zoutori (2)

For the last 4 years Zoutori has resumed in this race from his winter spell. He won it in 2019 and 2020, was 0.8 length 4th in 2021 and was held up and finished 10th in 2022. I’d love to see him come thundering down the straight for a 3rd win in the race but feel his best days are behind him as the 8YO hasn’t won since the 2021 Group 1 Newmarket Handicap.

3. Startantes (5)

Returns from a 19 week spell and has trialled at Doomben. This is his best distance but it is his first run at Flemington. Prefer to watch.

4. It’sourtime (11)

He has had 8 starts this preparation and not finished worse than 4th. Finished 2nd in the Listed Victorian Sprint Series Final, 3rd in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes, 1st in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap and 0.2 length 3rd in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes. Goes well at Flemington and is so consistent he has to be included in the chances.

5. Star Patrol (10)

First-up from a 27 week spell and was a 5.5 length winner of a Cranbourne trial on 4th September. Goes well first-up and looks a key player.

6. Charterhouse (6)

Ciaron Maker & David Eustace import who has only had 2 Australian starts and placed in both. Back from an 11 week let-up and drops in distance. Has a massive finishing burst – don’t dismiss.

7. Snapper (7)

Chased steadily for 4th in the Listed Carlyon Stakes over 1000m when resuming. Not the worst.

8. Benedetta (8)

She has won 6 of her 8 starts and placed at the other 2. She resumed from a 19 week spell to win over 1100m at Flemington on 5th August, then was a 0.5 length winner of the Group 3 W.W. Cockram Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield on 2nd September. Winning chance.

9. Minsk Moment (4)

Having his first start for the Chris Waller stable . Prefer to see.

10. Najem Suhail (1)

He has won both starts since resuming and now has 5 wins and 3 places from 11 starts. He’s drawn the inside barrier and should make his presence felt.

11. La Danseuse Rouge (3)

Won the Listed Lightning Stakes over 1050m at Morphettville when resuming and has had a 7 week let-up. Could surprise.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Lewis Oliver’s Tips
8 Benedetta	5 Star Patrol
10 Najem Suhail	8 Benedetta
1 King Of Sparta	1 King Of Sparta
4 It’sourtime	10 Najem Suhail

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Star Patrol
2nd	1 King Of Sparta	0.1 length
3rd	8 Benedetta	0.2 length
4th	4 It’sourtime	1.7 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratching: 11. La Danseuse Rouge.

Comments: Protest 2nd (King Of Sparta) against 1st (Star Patrol) – DISMISSED