Detonator Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

With the early scratching of Villeins, there are 12 runners for the 2024 Reliable Asset Maintenance Detonator Stakes with 8 geldings and 4 mares. There are five 5YOs, four 6YOs, two 7YOs and one 8YO. Five runners had their last start in the Group 2 Perth Cup over 2400m at Ascot on 1st January (won by Casino Seventeen), three in a 2YO+ BM 72+ Handicap over 1675m at Bunbury on 10th February (won by Baramagic) and two in a 2YO+ BM 84+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 3rd February (won by No Apology), while the rest came via different races. Three runners are sired by Blackfriars and 2 by Playing God.

The early favourite is last year’s winner Marocchino who resumes from a nine week let-up and has a good record in Listed races. Second favourite is Casino Seventeen who has had a 7 week let-up after winning the Perth Cup. Third favourite is Black Fantasy who tired late for 5th in the Perth Cup. Queen Alina finished 11th in the Perth Cup where she struggled at the end, while Currimundi has a win and 3 places from his last 4 starts. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Casino Seventeen (5)

Has had a 7 week let-up after winning the Group 2 Perth Cup over 2400m at Ascot on 1st January. Has great form at this track and should fight out the finish

2. Marocchino (13)

Won this race last year and was 2nd the year before. Resumes from a nine week let-up and will have been set for this.

3. No Apology (11)

Ran 2nd in this race last year. Won a 2YO+ BM 84+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 3rd February at his first race after changing trainer from Brandon Fiore to Stephen Miller. Was doing his best late and should go well here.

4. Black Fantasy (12)

Tired late for 5th in the Perth Cup but is better back to this distance and has won a recent Lark Hill trial.

5. Blazing Away (8)

Ran 3rd in a 2YO+ BM 72+ Handicap over 1675m at Bunbury on 10th February (won by Baramagic) where he chased solidly. Don’t dismiss.

6. Villeins (7)  – scratched

7. Queen Alina (9)

Finished 11th in the Perth Cup where she struggled at the end. This distance is more suitable and she is a quality mare who can get into the prizemoney.

8. Baramagic (10)

This 8YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. He’s in great form having resumed from a 23 week spell for a close 2nd at Ascot then won over 1675m at Bunbury at his latest. In the mix.

9. Currimundi (3)

Has a win and 3 places from his last 4 starts. Not the worst.

10. Holy Enchantment (6)

Back in distance after 7th in the Perth Cup. Could place.

11. Ghobella (4)

Always runs an honest race. Not the worst.

12. Toni’s Spirit (2)

Prefer others.

13. Soldanelle (1)

Last start winner over 1500m at Ascot on 31st January. This is much harder.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Casino Seventeen
2 Marocchino
9 Currimundi
8 Baramagic

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2 Marocchino
2nd	4 Black Fantasy	1.34 lengths
3rd	1 Casino Seventeen	2.59 lengths
4th	11 Ghobella	2.68 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 6. Villeins.