City Of Adelaide Handicap – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners for the City Of Adelaide Handicap with 3 mares and 11 geldings. There are seven 4YOs, two 5YOs, three 6YOs, a 7YO and a 9YO. Five of the runners had their last start in a 1400m Open Handicap over 1400m at Oakbank on 8 April, while the rest all came via different races. The field includes Morvada who was last year’s winner. Trainers Richard & Chantelle Jolly have 3 runners, and Michael Hickmott has 2.

The early favourite is Saskatoon who has 4 wins and 2 places from his last 6 starts. Second favourite is Ayrton who has two Group 3 wins. Third favourite is My Khalifa who has 5 wins and 2 places from 10 races on this track. Noname Lane was a close over 1400m at Bendigo last start. The rest of the runners are currently $10 or more.

1. Ayrton (12)

He faded to finish seventh last start at Sandown Lakeside on a soft track but rates well in these conditons. He has the speed to overcome his wide draw And has raced at Group 3 level at his last 2 starts in Melbourne. Strong hope.

2. Regalo Di Gaetano (6)

One of 3 runners fro Richard & Chantelle Jolly (the others are Saskatoon and Pudding). Hasn’t raced since 13th March where he resumed from a spell for 4.5 lengths 7th on the Listed Matrice Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville.

3. Noname Lane (7)

Was a close 3rd over 1400m at Bendigo last start and has 2 wins and a place from 5 runs at this track. Place hope.

4.Morvada (1)

This 9YO is the oldest runner and is back to defend his title after winning last year and running 2nd the year before. Ideally drawn in barrier 1. Faded late to finish 0.9 length 4th over 1400m at Oakbank last start on soft going. Has a great record at this track and distance and can be in the finish.

5. Lord Vladivostok (4)

One of 2 runners for Michael Hickmott (the other is Lake’s Folly). Finished 4 lengths 6th over 1400m at Oakbank last start. Can improve third-up.

6. My Khalifa (10)

Has 5 wins and 2 places from 10 races on this track. Won by 1.5 lengths over this track and distance on 25 March, then was 0.4 lengths 3rd over 1400m at Oakbank on 8 April. Place chance.

7. Saskatoon (3)

He has 4 wins and 2 places from his last 6 starts. Won 2 in a row at this track and distance in February, then was 0.3 length 2nd over 1400m at Oakbank on 8th April. Winning chance.

8. Lake’s Folly (9)

Looks tested.

9. Mamaragan (13)

Prefer others.

10. Rich Gina (11)

She has placed at all 3 runs this campaign.Was 0.2 length 2nd over 1000m at Morphettville Parks on 18 March, then was 3rd in the Listed Hills Railway Stakes over 1100m at Oakbank on 8 April. Has claims.

11. Chicago Storm (5)

This campaign he has been in the quinella at all 5 starts. He won at this track and distance on 18 March, then was edged out late for 0.1 length 2nd over 1200m at Morphettville on 15 April. No surprise to see him in the finish.

12. Pudding (8)

First up from a 17 week spell. Goes very well fresh and likes this track. Place chance.

13. Last Girl Love (14)

Drawn the outside barrier. Has had a 7 week let-up after a 2 length win over 1800m at Murray Bridge on 4 March. Prefer others.

14. Ballynora (2)

finished midfield when resuming at Pakenham. Looking elsewhere.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 Saskatoon
1 Ayrton
4 Morvada
3 Noname Lane

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 My Khalifa
2nd	10 Rich Gina	1.2 lengths
3rd	11 Chicago Storm	1.4 lengths
4th	5 Lord Vladivostock	1.4 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 9. Mamaragan.