Challenge Stakes – 2023

Track: Fine Weather: Good

All eyes on the resuming Everest winner Giga Kick. Douglas is confident it can return a winner and gets a kid draw. Eduardo is one of the best 1000 metre horses in the country. He was below his best at the end of last prep but he did win fresh. Remarque looks to have put it all together with a strong last start win after coming back a gelding. Paulele has plenty of class while Passive Aggressive is the x-factor and can measure up to this lot.

1. Eduardo (8)

He won this race in 2021 and 2022. Unbeaten over this track and trip from 3 goes. There is no denying the claims of Eduardo in this field and he has an outstanding fresh record and record at this track. Massive chance.

2. Paulele (5)

Classy galloper that can sit off a hot speed and pounce late. Has a good enough turn of foot to win this race and the camp are on fire. Top 2 chance.

3. Remarque (6)

Gelding operation has done the trick with Remarque and it looks very well placed in this field. Avdulla steers and this race is a suitable next step for it. Has the talent to win and is finally putting it together.

4. Shelby Sixty Six (7)

Cast. Can’t win.

5. The Bopper (1)

Rises a few grades. This looks too tricky.

6. Key Largo (2)

Prefer others.

7. Passive Aggressive (9)

4/5 winning record and does look well placed in this field. Had excuses at the only loss last prep and has a stack of upside. Recent trials were very good and Childs retains the ride.

8. Giga Kick (4)

Picks himself. The 2022 Everest winner. Douglas is confident Giga Kick can resume a winner and there is no reason why he shouldn’t be beating this lot fresh. $2.30 more than fair.

9. Sacred Satono (3)

Prefer others.

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

Bryce Parker’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
8 Giga Kick	1 Eduardo
7 Passive Agressive	8 Giga Kick
1 Eduardo	3 Remarque
2 Paulele	2 Paulele