Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 12 runners for the $107,250 Durbridge Stakes with 11 geldings and one filly. There is one 3YO, three 5YOs, two 6YOs, four 7YOs and two 8YOs. Two runners had their last start in the Listed Christmas Stakes over 1100m at Sandown Hillside on 26 December, while the rest all came via different races. Trainers Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea have 4 runners and Richard & Chantelle Jolly have two runners.

The early favourite is3YO filly See You In Heaven who has 4 wins from 9 starts and carries 5.5 kg less than any other runner. Second favourite is Kemalpasa who won this race last year and was runner-up in 2021. Third favourite is Beau Rossa who has strong form at this track and returns from a 7 week let-up. Calypso Reign is the only other runner currently under $10.

1. Kemalpasa (5)

This 7YO gelding won this race last year and was runner-up to Behemoth the year before. He has won 13 of his 40 starts and goes well first-up. He resumes here from a 17 week spell and should be in the finish.

2. Ironclad (11)

One of 4 runners for Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea. This 7YO has had his last 3 starts in WA where he finished a length 2nd in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 3 December, then was 3.3 lengths 3rd in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes over 2100m at Ascot on 17 December. Has had a 6 week let-up and is a talented runner but would prefer him over more distance.

3. Beau Rossa (6)

Another who has had his last 2 starts at Ascot in WA and hasn’t raced since 10 December. Won a Strathalbyn trial over 1000m on 16 January and has 3 wins and a place from 7 starts at Morphettville. One of the main hopes.

4. Calypso Reign (1)

Resumes from a 19 week spell after 1.3 length 4th in the Listed W H Wylie Handicap. Has won 2 from 5 first-up runs and placed in the other 3. Placed ina  Strahalbyn trial on 16 January and is in the mix.

5. Shamino (10)

Ran 2nd in the Listed Christmas Stakes over 1100m at Sandown on 26 December coming from the back of the field. He has 4 wins at this track and distance and should make his presence felt.

6. Parsifal (7)

Finished 2.2 lengths 5th in the Christmas Stakes last start. Placed in a Murray Bridge trial on 5 January. Others have better chances.

7. One More Jack (12)

Won over 1200m at Murray Bridge on 24 December then was 2nd over 1200m at Gawler on 7 January. Has the speed to overcome drawing the widest barrier. Not the worst.

8. He’s A Balter (2)

Has a good record at this distance but hasn’t shown much this campaign. Prefer others.

9. Royal Mile (8)

Back from a 17 week spell. Prefer over further.

10. Star Hills (3)

Has had 2 runs this campaign and didn’t finish either off well. Looking to others.

11. Aston Rapova (4)

This 5YO has won all 3 races this preparation, all at this track. Stepping up in grade. Place chance.

12. See You In Heaven (9)

A 3YO filly up against a field of older geldings. Carries 53 vs their 58.5 kg and that could make the difference. Hasn’t started since a 1.8 length win in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas on 26 November but was 2nd in a recent trial. Can figure in the finish.

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

Jo’s Tips
3 Beau Rossa
1 Kemalpasa
12 See You In Heaven
5 Shamino