Cyril Flower Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 9 runners lining up for the $125,000 Cyril Flower Stakes with 6 geldings, 2 mares and a filly. There is one 3YO, one 4YO, three 5YOs, two 6YOs, one 7YO and one 9YO. Four runners had their last start in the Listed Scenic Blast Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 28 January, two haven’t started since the Group 3 The Gold Rush over 1400m at Ascot on 10 December (9 weeks ago) while the remaining 3 all came via different races. Trainers Chris & Michael Gangemi have three runners.

The early favourite is 3YO filly My Bella Mae who has won 4 from 5 starts and looks a very special horse. Second favourite is Sniparoochy who returns from an 11 week let-up and is generally strong first-up. Third favourite is Phanta who finished a neck 2nd in the Scenic Blast Stakes. Angelic Miss won the Scenic Blast last start while Halatorian has won 3 of his last 4 starts. The other runners are currently $11 or longer.

1. Hot Zed (9)

He hasn’t raced since running 1.8 lengths 6th in the Group 3 Gold Rush. Has 4 wins at this track and distance combination and carries top weight here. Quality gelding who won’t be far away.

2. Titan Blinders (6)

Interestingly he is the only runner in the field not to have won at Ascot (4 starts here for one place). One of 3 runners for Chris & Michael Gangemi. Won a recent trial at Belmont, but prefer others.

3. Sniparoochy (2)

Won the Listed Jungle Mist Classic over 1200m at Ascot by over a length on 19 November, then was thrown in the deep end where she ran 15th in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes on 26 November. Returns from an 11 week let-up and won a Lark Hill trial by over 3 lengths. Goes well first-up and is one of the main chances.

4. Angelic Miss (1)

She has a super record of 5 wins and 3 places from 10 runs at this track and distance and won the Scenic Blast last start, She tends to get back and run on and had dominant closing splits for her last win. Drawn the rails and is one of the main chances.

5. Carocapo (8)

This 9YO is the oldest runner this year but can still run well and has 2 places from 3 starts this campaign. His latest run was 0.8 length 3rd in the Scenic Blast Stakes. This is a similar race and he is a place chance.

6. Halatorion (4)

On a six day back-up after the Ascot meeting was moved from Saturday to Sunday last weekend. He was a narrow winner over 1200m there giving him his 3rd win from his last 4 starts. This is harder, but don’t dismiss.

7. Long Beach (7)

Finished 1.6 lengths 4th in the Scenic Blast after 3rd in the Listed Miss Andretti Stakes the start before. Rough place chance.

8. My Bella Mae (3)

This 3YO filly has won 4 from 5 starts including the Listed Placid Ark Stakes, and looks a very special horse. Her only failure was against the older and more experienced horses in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes. Strong winning chance.

9. Phanta (5)

Finished a neck 2nd to Angelic Miss in the Scenic Blast Stakes. In the mix.

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