Detonator Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratching of 10YO Juicing Carrots, 11 runners remain for the $125,000 Detonator Stakes, with 10 geldings and one mare. There are two 4YOs, one 5YO, three 6YOs, three 7YOs and two 8YOs. Four runners had their last start in the Ascot Mile over 1600m at Ascot on 5 February, three in the Group 2 Perth Cup over 2400m at Ascot on 14 January and the remaining 4 all came via different races. The three horses that filled the trifecta last year (True Attraction, Marocchino and Neufbosc) are all back again. Trainers Adam Durrant, Stephen Miller and Neville Parnham each have 2 runners.

The early favourite is 2022 runner-up Marocchino who has 11 wins from 45 starts. Second favourite is Neufbosc who was 3rd last year and was going well this campaign before injuring a leg in the Perth Cup. Third favourite is Corn Cob who is a super-consistent runner who has 2 wins, 5 places and a 4th from his last 8 starts. No Apology has won 4 of 9 on a soft track, while Come Right Back is good at this distance range. All other runners are currently $16 or more.

1. Marocchino (3)

Ran 2nd in this race last year. He has 11 wins from 45 starts, and has had a short let-up after winning the Listed A.J. Scahill Cup over 2100m at Ascot on 26 November then the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes over 2100m at Ascot on 17 December. A key player.

2. True Attraction (6)

Hasn’t raced since 26 November when he only beat one runner home in the Scahill. Won this race last year but it looks too hard first-up after 13 weeks.

3. Utgard Loki (5)

Was wide throughout and had a torrid run when 15 lengths 13th in the Perth Cup last start. This looks more suitable.

4. Black Shadow (2)

Back from a let-up and tends to need a run or 2 to show his best.

5. No Apology (1)

One of 2 runners for Stephen Miller and has drawn the rails. He has won 4 of 9 on a soft track but with hot weather expected on Friday the track should dry out.

6. Bruce Almighty (12)

One of 2 runners for Neville Parnham. Finished less than 2 lengths off the winner in the Ascot Mile and has the speed to overcome drawing the widest barrier. Not the worst.

7. Neufbosc (11)

Finished 3rd in this race last year. Placed in 3 consecutive Listed races before injuring a leg in the Perth Cup. Place chance again.

8. Juicing Carrots (10)  – SCRATCHED

9. Come Right Back (7)

Is good at this distance range but prefer others.

10. Corn Cob (4)

Is a super-consistent runner who has 2 wins, 5 places and a 4th from his last 8 starts. One of the chances.

11. General Grant (8)

Has won 6 of his 19 starts and has a win and a place from 2 starts at his distance. In the mix.

12. Pat’s Got Sass (9)

The only mare in the race. Hasn’t won beyond 1400m and prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
10 Corn Cob
5 No Apology
7 Neufbosc
1 Marocchino