Christmas Handicap – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratching of Free Of Debt, 15 runners remain for the Christmas Handicap. There are 13 geldings and 2 mares, with three 4YOs, six 5YOS, three 6YOs, two 7YOs and a 9YO. Six runners had their last start in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 26 November and two in a BM 82 Handicap over 1000m at Morphettville Parks on 19 November, while the rest all came via different races. Trainers Will Clarken, Travis Doudle and Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas all have two runners.

The early favourite is Struck By who just missed when heavily backed last start over 1200m at Morphettville. Second favourite is Manhatten Times who finished 2nd in the City Of Marion Stakes. Third favourite is Karacasu who has strong form at this track.

Streetcar Stranger finished 4th in the Listed Doveton Stakes over 1000m at Caulfield at his latest start. Diamonds was the winner of the City of Marion Stakes but has drawn the outside barrier. He’s A Balter was 3rd in this race last year and ran 5th in the City Of Marion, while Screwed Down comes off 2nd over 1100m at Ballarat. The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer, including Outlaws Revenge who won this race last year.

1. Free Of Debt (1)  – SCRATCHED

2. Streetcar Stranger (10)

Finished 4th in the Listed Doveton Stakes over 1000m at Caulfield at his latest start. Has placed at all 3 previous runs at this track. Rough claims.

3. He’s A Balter (3)

One of two runners for trainer Will Clarken. Finished 3rd in this race last year. Was slowly away and got going late when he ran 5th in the City Of Marion  Stakes last start and would have placed if he had jumped well. Commands respect.

4. Ocean Beyond (14)

Has finished in the back half of the field at all 3 runs this campaign and has drawn very wide. Unlikely.

5. Outlaws Revenge (4)

Won this race last year. Resumed from a spell for 3.7 lengths 7th in the City Of Marion and has won 2 from 3 second-up. In the mix.

6. Second Slip (12)

The 2nd of the Will Clarken runners. Has struggled in all three runs so far this campaign and only beat 2 runners home in the City Of Marion last start at Morphettville. . Others have better chances.

7. Diamonds (16)

This mare has 2 wins from 4 races this campaign. She was the winner of the City of Marion Stakes after running 3rd in the Gytrash Series Final. Has drawn the outside barrier but still looks one of the main chances.

8. Struck By (8)

Just missed when heavily backed last start over 1200m at Morphettville in the Gytrash Series Final. Goes well at this track with 4 wins and 3 places from 9 starts here, and should fight out the finish.

9. Manhatten Times (11)

Finished 2nd in the City Of Marion Stakes after 1.8 lengths 4th in the Gytrash Series Final. Tends to settle well back in the field and come with a swooping run. Can win if he gets clear passage.

10. Bold Star (7)

This 7YO has placed in two runs from six this campaign and has won previously at this track & distance. Rough place chance.

11. Countofmontecristo (13)

This 9YO is the oldest runner this year. Resumes from an 18 week spell and has won 4 of 11 first-up starts. Has a great record at this distance but has no wins at this track. Looking to others.

12. One More Jack (5)

Resumes from a 29 week spell and may need the run. Looking elsewhere.

13. Extra Time (6)

Resumed for 2nd over 1000m at Morphettville Parks on 19 November. Has gone well at this track and distance previously and is in the mix.

14. Champagne Dreams (2)

She has struggled in all three runs this campaign and finished 9th in the City Of Marion. Prefer others.

15. Karacasu (15)

Has strong form at this track with 2 wins and 2 placces from 6 starts here. Not the worst.

16. Screwed Down (9)

Comes off 2nd over 1100m at Ballarat in a BM 70 after a narrow win over 1100m at Bendigo in a BM64. Looking to others.

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

Jo’s Tips
9 Manhatten Times
8 Struck By
3 He’s A Balter
7 Diamonds

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Diamonds
2nd	12 One More Jack	0.9 length
3rd	9 Manhatten Times	1.2 lengths
4th	5 Outlaws Revenge	1.6 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 1. Free Of Debt, 15. Karacasu.