City Of Marion Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratchings of Shaquero, Nunthorpe and Ballon D’or there are 14 runners remaining for the 2024 City Of Marion Stakes with 9 geldings and 5 mares. There is one 3YO, four 4YOs, six 5YOs, two 6YOs and one 7YO. Three runners had their last start in a BM 90 Handicap over 1100m at Morphettville on 10th February (won by Celsius Star) and two in the Listed Durbridge Stakes over 11oom at Morphettville on 27th January (won by Aitch Two Oh) while the rest all came through different races. Trainer Andrew Gluyas has 3 runners and Anthony & Sam Freedman have 2.

The early favourite is Miss Icelandic who has won her last 3 races in Victoria. Second favourite is Snapped who won a Group 3 race at this track and distance in May 2023 at her only Morphettville start. Third favourite is  Miss Take who resumed from a 23 week spell for a win at Moonee Valley. Grinzinger Prince  won at this track and distance 2 starts back before 3rd in the Durbridge Stakes. All other runners are currently $10 or longer.

1. Larimer Street (9)

Runner-up over 1100m here in a BM 90 Handicap at Morphettville on 10th February (won by Celsius Star). Place chance.

2. Struck By (7)

Only beat one runner home in the Group 2 Australia Stakes won by Veight on 27th January. This is easier and he has outstanding form at this track. Respect.

3. Picargo (1)

This 7YO is the oldest runner this year. Finished 5th behind Celsius Star on 10th February. Has drawn the rails and could place.

4. Chicago Storm (13)

Has 3 places from 4 runs at this track. Resumes from a 15 week spell and flies first-up. Should hit the line hard late. Can place.

5. My Khalifa (16)

Drawn the widest barrier. No wins in 7 races at this track. Prefer others.

6. Manhatten Times (14)

Ran 2nd in this race last year. Has drawn wide and hasn’t shown much in his first 2 runs this campaign. Unlikely.

7. Snapped (15)

Won a Group 3 race at this track and distance in May 2023 at her only Morphettville start.  Will find this easier than the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield she contested first-up. Chance.

8. Shaquero (17)  – scratched

9. Nunthorpe (10)  – scratched

10. Party Princess (11)

She was competitive in some quality races last preparation without winning. She’s capable of running a big race fresh and is in the mix.

11. Grinzinger Prince (5)

Won at this track and distance 2 starts back before 3rd in the Listed Durbridge Stakes over 11oom at Morphettville on 27th January (won by Aitch Two Oh). Can figure in the finish.

12. Miss Icelandic (3)

Has won her last 3 races in Victoria (Cranbourne, Sale then Caulfield). She’s flying at the moment and is one of the main chances.

13. Air Assault (12)

This 3YO is the youngest runner this year. Resumes after a 16 week spell after running in the Group 1 Victoria Derby over 2500m. Might find this too short but watch for any market moves.

14. Miss Take (6)

Resumed from a 23 week spell for a narrow but tough win at Moonee Valley on 27th January. She won 2nd up last time and is a serious contender.

15. Turf Decision (4)

Looks safely held.

16. Rockstar Meggsy (8)

Won her last 2 starts at Gawler and Murray Bridge. This is harder but she could place.

17e. Ballon D’or (2)  – scratched

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
12 Miss Icelandic
14 Miss Take
10 Party Princess
11 Grinzinger Prince

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Snapped
2nd	11 Grinzinger Prince	1.1 lengths
3rd	5 My Khalifa	2 lengths
4th	13 Air Assault	2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 8. Shaquero, 9. Nunthorpe, 17e. Ballon D’or.