C S Hayes Memorial Cup – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 12 runners for the 2024 Quayclean C S Hayes Memorial Cup with 8 geldings and 4 mares. There are five 4YOs, four 5YOs, two 6YOs and one 7YO. Two runners had their last start in a BM 86 Handicap over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 2nd March (won by Tapinforpar) and two in a BM 82 Handicap over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 17th February (won by Wild Imagination), while the rest came via different races.

The betting is fairly open. The early favourite is Thirsty Guest who finished 3rd at Morphettville Parks when fresh and has won 2 from 2 second-up. Second favouritism is split between Unusual Culture who ran 4th in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes over 1800m at Caulfield last start, and Meridius who finished 2.4 lengths 7th behind Jennilala over 1400m at Flemington last start. Second To Nun won 4 races in a row before 2.9 lengths 4th in the Listed JRA Plate over 2006m at Morphetville on 10th February. Wild Imagination was a strong winner over 1400m at Morphettville Parks first-up from a spell, while Tapinforpar won over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 2nd March. The other runners are currently $12 or longer.

1. Not Usual Glorious (1)

This 7YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. He resumes from an 18 week spell and won a recent trial at Gawler. Can run well fresh and is perfectly drawn. Chance.

2. Unusual Culture (7)  – scratched

Ran 4th in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes over 1800m at Caulfield last start

3. Danish Fortune (6)

Finished 9.5 lengths 6th over 1300m at Randwick last start. Prefer others.

4. Meridius (9)

Finished 2.4 lengths 7th behind Jennilala over 1400m at Flemington last start. Placed at both starts before that where he was running on strongly at the end. One of the main chances.

5. Wild Imagination (3)

She was a strong winner of a BM 82 Handicap over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 17th February when first-up from a spell and goes well at this track. Capable of winning this.

6. Second To Nun (4)

Won 4 races in a row before 2.9 lengths 4th in the Listed JRA Plate over 2006m at Morphetville on 10th February. Drops in distance and is in the mix.

7. Midnight Mass (10)

He’s won 6 of his 18 starts with 3 wins at this distance. Two of those wins were at this track and distance. Can place.

8. Tapinforpar (2)

Won a BM 86 Handicap over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 2nd March despite being slowly away and losing a plate. Can be in the finish.

9. Thirsty Guest (5)

Finished 3rd behind Wild Imagination at Morphettville Parks when fresh and has won 2 from 2 second-up. One of the main hopes.

10. Pool Pony (11)

Has 3 wins from 5 starts this campaign. Not the worst.

11. Disagreeable Miss (8)

Hasn’t looked likely in both runs this preparation. Not keen.

12. I’m A Dexstar (12)

Has won all 3 starts this campaign, with the latest at this track and distance. Could surprise.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Wild Imagination
4 Meridius
9 Thirsty Guest
7 Midnight Mass

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Meridius
2nd	9 Thirsty Guest	0.7 length
3rd	12 I’m A Dexstar	1 length
4th	6 Second To Nun	3.7 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 2. Unusual Culture.