C.F. Orr Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Ten have accepted for a cracking edition of the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes.  Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr saddle up the top two chances in the betting – Jacquinot and I’m Thunderstruck.  Team Hayes also has a strong hand with two single figure chances.  The pace should be genuine with Gentleman Roy likely to take it up and roll along out in front.

1. I’m Thunderstruck

First up here off the back of a terrific spring.  Won the Group 1 Makybe Diva to go along with three other Group 1 runner ups including an unlucky second in the Cox Plate.  The recent Geelong trial was very good and he gets the services of J Kah.  Rates highly.

2. Mr Brightside

He won the Feehan by a big space first up last prep and has trialled up well at Geelong.  Barrier 10 looks sticky – ride for luck or go back?

3. Tuvalu

Resumes.  Won the Group 1 Toorak Handicap in October, then was a close second in the Group 1 Cantala.  Has been given two solid trials and gets blinkers for the first time.  Lindsey Smith flying.  Each way chance.

4. Callsign Mav

Claimed the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke on heavy ground last prep.  Not convinced he is good enough to be winning this.

5. Western Empire

Safely held at his two starts for John Leek.  Old form is good enough but is hard to recommend off recent form.

6. Aegon

Kiwi galloper who won the Moonga Stakes then finished fourth in the Cantala at a big price in the Spring.  Happy to watch him first up.

7. Gentleman Roy

Strong on pace effort to win this track and trip first up at Listed level.  Faces toughest test now at Group 1 weight for age.  Should find the top though.

8. Nugget

European import who has won three of four in Australia.  Gets his crack at Group 1 level now and should be given every opportunity from the good draw.

9. Turaath

The lone mare in the field.  She closed off okay for second in the Group 2 Australia Stakes last start.  This is much harder.

10. Jacquinot

Price & Kent trained colt who stormed home to win the Group 1 Golden Rose in the spring before a very credible fifth in The Everest.  Win better than the rating suggest first up and should get a more genuinely run race here.  Drawn well.  Leading hope.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
10 Jacquinot	10 Jacquinot
1 I’m Thunderstruck	7 Gentleman Roy
3 Tuvalu	3 Tuvalu
7 Gentleman Roy	8 Nugget