Bunbury Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 11 runners for the $150,000 Bunbury Stakes, with 9 geldings and two mares. There is one 4YO, five 5YOs, three 6YOs, one 7YO and one 9YO. Eight runners had their last start in the Listed Pinjarra Classic over 1300m at Pinjarra Park on 26 February, and the remaining 3 all came via different races. Last year’s winner Carocapo returns to defend his title. Trainer Chris & Michael Gangemi has 2 runners.

The early favourite is the talented Burnya To Survive who has 6 wins from 10 starts. Second favourite is Creator who comes off 2nd in the Pinjarra Classic. Third favourite is Halatorian who ran 5th in that race after being held-up for the majority of the straight. Last Of The Line resumes after a 16 week spell, while Em Tee Aye also resumes. All other runners are currently $10 or more.

1. Last Of The Line (10)

Resumes after a 16 week spell. Finished last campaign with 1.5 lengths 4th in the Group 3 R.J. Peters Stakes over 1500m then 3.3 lengths 5th in the Group 1 Railway Stakes over 1600m. Has 5 wins at this distance, with 4 at this track and distance. Has won twice first-up and should make his presence felt.

2. Titan Blinders (6)

One of 2 runners for Chris & Michael Gangemi. Ran 2.4 lengths 7th in the Pinjarra Classic where he tired after leading early. Usually runs an honest race and should go well.

3. Son Of A God (7)

Was brilliant earlier in his career but was the last horse home in the Pinjarra Classsic when resuming from a spell. Prefer others at this stage.

4. Em Tee Aye (11)

Resumes after a 16 week spell after being runner-up in the Listed Carbine Club of WA Stakes over 1400m. Was super consistent last campaign and comes to hand quickly. One of the chances despite drawing the widest barrier.

5. Burnya To Survive (4)

The talented Burnya To Survive has 6 wins and 2 places from 10 starts. Normally he swoops from the back of the field with a withering run, but last outing he couldn’t produce that dazzling finishing burst and finished 3rd over 1200m when back from a 9 week break. Rates highly.

6. Buzzoom (1)

Drawn perfectly in barrier 1 this 4YO mare is the youngest runner this year. She has a good record at the track and distance. Not the worst.

7. Carocapo (5)

Won this race last year. The oldest runner this year at 9YO. Has finished back in the field at his last two starts. Looks tested.

8. Creator (3)

Finished 2nd in the Pinjarra Classic with the best closing splits in a fast-run race. One of the main chances.

9. Gunmetal Grey (2)

Ran 4th on the Pinjarra Classic – her third 4th placing in a row. Has only won 3 of her 30 starts but gets in the minor money often.

10. Halatorian (8)

Came 5th in  the Pinjarra Classic after being held-up for the majority of the straight. Prefer him over 1200m but a sneaky chance.

11. The Spruiker (9)

Looked gone at the turn but kept coming gamely for 0.9 length 3rd in the Pinjarra Classic. In the mix.

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