Conquering Stakes – 2023

There are 9 runners for the Conquering Stakes with 8 geldings and one mare. There is one five-year-old, three six-year-olds, three seven-year-olds, one eight-year-old and one nine-year-old. Five runners had their last start in the Listed TTC Newmarket Handicap over 1200m at Launceston on 29th November that was won by First Accused, while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Turffontein. Trainer John Blacker has 2 runners.

The short-priced favourite is The Inevitable who finished 5th in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes over 1600m at Flemington last start and has outstanding form at this track with 7 wins from 8 starts. Second favourite is First Accused who is a last-start winner in the TTC Newmarket over 1200m at Launceston on 29th November beating several other runners in this race. Third favourite is Alpine Wolf who resumed for 2.4 lengths 7th in that race and gets blinkers back on. Hype resumed for 5th in that race and is generally strong second-up, while Jaja Chaboogie came 2nd in the same race at massive odds. All other runners are currently $15 or longer.

1. The Inevitable (2)

He’s won this race for the last 2 years. Finished 5th in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes over 1600m at Flemington last start and has outstanding form at this track with 7 wins from 8 starts. Looks the superior runner here and should win.

2. Mandela Effect (1)

This 9YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. Finished 3rd in this race in 2020 and 2nd in 2019. He is one of 2 runners sired by Turffontein (the other is First Accused). Drawn the inside barrier but prefer others.

3. First Accused (6)

Ran equal 3rd in this race last year. Last-start winner in the TTC Newmarket over 1200m at Launceston on 29th November beating several other runners in this race. Will go well.

4. Swoop Dog (7)

One of 2 runners for trainer John Blacker (the other is Indispensable). Place chance.

5. Indispensable (3)

Had been racing in Queensland and resumed from an 8 week let-up for new trainer John Blacker for 8th in the Newmarket at his first run here. Not the worst.

6. Alpine Wolf (9)

Resumed for 2.4 lengths 7th in the TTC Newmarket. Gets blinkers back on. Could surprise.

7. King Island (8)

He’s won his last 4 races in a row with one at Devonport then 3 at Launceston. Having his first run at Listed level. Has claims.

8. Hype (4)

Resumed for 5th in the Newmarket following a 13 week break after racing in Brisbane. Not the worst.

9. Jaja Chaboogie (5)

The only mare in the race this year. Came 2nd in the Newmarket to First Accused at massive odds. Wouldn’t surprise to see her in the money again.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 The Inevitable
3 First Accused
9 Jaja Chaboogie
7 King Island

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Indispensable
2nd	1 The Inevitable	2.3 lengths
3rd	7 King Island	3 lengths
4th	3 First Accused	6 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

There were no scratchings.