Centaurea Stakes – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Overcast

Following the early scratching of Starianne there are 10 fillies and mares remaining for the Centaurea Stakes. There is one 3YO, three 4YOs, four 5YOs, one 6YO and an 8YO. Two of the runners had their last start in the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes over 1600m at Morphettville on  May. and two in a Fillies & Mares BM 78 Handicap over 1600m at Sandown Hilside on 6 May, while the rest all came via different races.

The early favourite is Cap De Joie who is very consistent and has great soft track form. Second favourite is Thought Provoking who has finished runner-up at both starts this campaign. Third favourite is Warm Smile who has placed both starts this campaign and appears to be looking for this distance. La Dragontea ran 2nd in this race last year. The rest of the runners are currently over $14.

1. La Dragontea (9)

She ran 2nd in this race last year. She finished 3.9 lengths 7th over 1600m at Sandown Hillside over 1600m on 6 May where she came from the back and was looking for further. Rough place chance.

2. Agreeable (8)

Worked home from clear last to finish 5.4 lengths 6th in the Queen Of The South last start. She has not won or placed in 4 outings to this track, but looks as if she will handle the distance.

3. Hunboshi (2)

Ran fourth over 1800m last start at Sandown Hillside. Gets out to her best distance and capable of snagging a place.

4. Cap De Joie (10)

She had been in the quinella for 7 consecutive starts before 1.7 lengths 4th over 1600m at Sandown Hillside on 6 May where she was working home strongly. The extra distance should suit and she has great form on soft going. One of the main chances.

5. Starspangled Baby (5)

Another runner with excellent form on the soft going. Last start she finished 0.3 length 2nd over 2080m on a heavy track at Cranbourne on 28 April where the 3rd horse was 7 lengths back. The winner of that race was Let’sbefrankbaby who is the early favourite for the SA Fillies Classic. Can figure in the finish.

6. Hanaady (7)

Fought hard to only go down late for 0.2 length 2nd over 2000m at Ballarat on 26 April. The next horse was nearly 3 lengths away. That was on a soft track. Not the worst.

7. Last Girl Love (11)

Drawn the outside barrier. Settled well back in the field and made ground in the straight for 5th in the Queen Of the South Stakes last outing. Could surprise.

8. Thought Provoking (6)

Runner-up at her last 2 starts. Was held up from the 500 to 300m  then chased hard closing through the line over 1600m at Sandown Hillside. Has good soft track and is capabe of winning this.

9. Warm Smile (1)

The most lightly-race runner in the field with only 8 starts for a win and 5 places. Came from well back to finish 0.2 length 3rd over 1600m at Mornington last start and the distance will suit. From the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable. Has barrier 1 and has in-form (red hot) jockey Jason Holder riding. In the mix.

10. More Reward (4)

The only 3 year-old in the field and is bred to stay. Unplaced in all 4 runs this preparation. Looks safely held

11. Starianne (3)  – SCRATCHED

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
8 Thought Provoking
4 Cap De Joie
9 Warm Smile
5 Starspangled Baby

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	8 Thought Provoking
2nd	2 Agreeable	0.2 length
3rd	9 Warm Smile	1.3 lengths
4th	5 Starspangled Baby	2.2 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

Scratchings: 11. Starianne.