Canberra Cup – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 13 runners for the $200,000 Canberra Cup consisting of one colt and 12 geldings. There is one 4YO, three 5YOs, five 6YOs, three 7YOs and one 8YO. Trainers  Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Ciaron Maher & David Eustace and Jason Coyle each have 2 runners. Two runners had their last start in the Group 3 Carlyon Cup over 1600m at Sandown on 11 February, two in the Listed Randwick City Stakes over 2000m on 4 March, two in a BM 88 Handicap over 2000m at Randwick on 25 February and two in a BM 72 Handicap over 2110m at Warwick Farm on 1 March. The others came through different races, and one is first-up.

The early favourite is Zeyrek from the Hawkes stable who won the James Ruse Handicap over 1400m last start and has won up to 2400m. Second favourite is last year’s winner Sacramento from the Waterhouse & Bott stable. Third favourite is Arapaho who comes off 4.5 lengths 7th in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes over 1600m. Almania ran 1.3 lengths 3rd over 2000m last start, while Athabascan ran 2.5 lengths 5th in the Randwick City Stakes. All other runners are currently $10 or more.

1. Arapaho (4)

Comes off 4.5 lengths 7th in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes over 1600m. Should improve going up in trip.

2. Explosive Jack (7)

Ran 3.7 lengths 7th in the Carlyon Cup, coming from well back. Can place here.

3. Sacramento (10)

Last year’s winner Sacramento from the Waterhouse & Bott stable. Has not been far away at his last couple of runs and has won 2 from 3 at Canberra. Serious chance

4. Zeyrek (13)

From the Hawkes stable. Won the James Ruse Handicap over 1400m last start and has won up to 2400m. Looks nicely placed and is a key chance here.

5. Normandy Bridge (9)

Has finished i nthe back half of the field in recent races. Looks safely held.

6. Athabascan (5)

Ran 2.5 lengths 5th in the Randwick City Stakes. Place chance.

7. First In Line (11)

Prefer over more distance, but could show up.

8. Yaletown (3)

Resumes from a 24 week spell. Can go well first-up.

9. Almania (12)

Ran 1.3 lengths 3rd over 2000m last start and looks close to a win. One of the chances.

10. Above And Beyond (6)

Hasn’t won beyond 1550m in 62 starts. Prefer others.

11. Chateaux Park (8)

Ran a very close 2nd over 1900m at Canterbury last start. Not the worst.

12. Tarn’s Prince (2)

Unplaced in all four runs this campaign. No.

13. Just Business (1)

Narrowly beaten over 2100m at Warwick Farm last outing. Sneaky place chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
3 Sacramento
4 Zeyrek
9 Almania
6 Athabascan