Coongy Handicap 2023 Race Details
Race 2 at Caulfield Racecourse on Wednesday the 18th October 2023.
The Coongy Handicap is a 2000 metre open handicap race run by the Melbourne Racing Club in October. It is held at Caulfield as part of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The total prizemoney this year is $200,000.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the Coongy Handicap page.
Coongy Handicap 2023 Preview
Track: Good Weather: Fine
There are thirteen acceptors for the final opportunity to win a ballot free entry into Saturday’s Caulfield Cup. The punters have warmed to the form out of the 1630m benchmark 78 at Flemington on September 24. Muramasa and Gregolimo ran the quinella that day and have both been well supported here early. Foujita San was an impressive winner at Sandown last start, whilst Steinem looks to have been set for this. The remaining runners are longer than $10-1.
Coongy Handicap 2023 Runner by Runner
1. Diamil
I thought this horses run in the Epsom was okay last start. Now gets to a trip that suits and gets D Lane. Each way claims.
2. Kukeracha
He was beaten 10 lengths at Sandown last start and started $41. If Waller can get him to win, then too good.
3. Ho Ho Khan
Ran top four in the Australian Cup in 2022 then had a long time off. Has had four runs back but looks up against it here from the wide gate with Tahlia Hope doing the steering.
4. Steinem
She won the Peter Young in the Autumn at Sandown and was okay last start in the Stocks Stakes. Has a sense of timing about her third up from the perfect draw with J Allen aboard. Key winning hope.
5. Sir Lucan
He was close up in the Colin Stephen at Randwick two back but did not fire last time out in the Bart Cummings after working early. Jordan Childs on is a plus. Could be a big improver.
6. Earlswood
He made up some late ground first up in the Sandown Stakes. May be able to settle closer with Shinn on here but it’s been 18 months since he’s run a place.
7. Makram
Has been there abouts this time in with out really threatening. Jury is out for me with him.
8. Affaire A Suivre
She won the Group 1 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville in April. Got back and never came on first up in the Stocks Stakes at the Valley. Need to see her again.
9. The Summit
Was solid enough in the Heatherlie two starts ago, then found himself in a really awkward position in the Naturalism. Wouldn’t be a shock to see him bounce back.
10. Arran Bay
Has been up for a while now but continues to race well. I have my doubts over whether he’s good enough to win but he maps for a nice run.
11 Muramasa
He is a horse who has always shown good talent. Ran second in a Norman Robinson almost 12 months ago to the day before going onto run fifth in the VRC Derby. He got the perfect race shape first up at Flemington and was able to capitalise with a strong win. Drops in weight for this but the draw looks a bit sticky. Do they drift back or roll the dice and press forward?
12. Gregolimo
He was off the map at his first Australian run. Was held up at key stage and then hit the line well for second behind Muramasa. Drops 7kg for this and could end up with a gun run from barrier four. Easy to make a case for him.
13. Foujita San
Was a very impressive winner against easier company at Sandown last start. Loved his last 100m there. Hard to see him being anywhere but back here but if he can get on the back of the right horse he has a chance.
Coongy Handicap 2023 Tips
The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.
|
Lewis Oliver’s Tips
|
Jo Jackson’s Tips | |
| 12 Gregolimo | 12 Gregolimo | |
| 4 Steinem | 11 Muramasa | |
| 11 Muramasa | 13 Foujita San | |
| 13 Foujita San | 8 Affaire A Suivre |
Previews for other races this week
Listed Debutant Stakes 2023 (Caulfield 1000m)
Coongy Handicap 2023 Race Results
| Result | Horse | Margin |
| 1st | 11 Muramasa | |
| 2nd | 1 Diamil | 0.75 length |
| 3rd | 12 Gregolimo | 0.85 length |
| 4th | 4 Steinem | 3.35 lengths |
The track was rated as Good 4.
Scratching: 5. Sir Lucan.