Durbridge Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

With the early scratching of Magic Max, 11 runners remain for the 2024 Durbridge Stakes with 8 geldings and 3 mares. There are two 4YOs, five 5YOs, one 6YO, two 7YOs and one 8YO. Three runners had their last start in a BM 86 Handicap over 1000m at Murray Bridge on 13th January (won y Wolflands) while the rest all came through different races. Three will be first-up from a spell. Two runners are sired by Valentia. Richard & Chantelle Jolly have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Aitch Two Oh who has outstanding form at this track and won a recent Murray Bridge trial after a 12 week let-up. Second favourite is Validated who also goes well here and was 4th in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes over 1400m at Flemington at his latest start. Third favouritism is shared between the well-travelled Savatoxl and Larimer Street who resumes here after running a close 2nd in the Group 3 in the D C McKay Stakes over 1100m at Morphettville on 6 May 2023.  Starlite Valley goes well at this track and comes off 8th in the Listed Black Pearl over 1200m at Geelong on 6th January. All other runners are currently $11 or longer.

1. Savatoxl

This 8YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. He is well-travelled having raced in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. He hasn’t raced for 6 weeks when he ran 5 lengths 13th in the Group 3 Gold Rush over 1400m at Ascot. Likes to lead and Teagan Voorham has had success on him previously. One of the chances.

2. Larimer Street (9)

Resumes here after a long spell. At his last race he ran a close 2nd to Savatoxl in the Group 3 in the D C McKay Stakes over 1100m at Morphettville on 6 May 2023. Normally needs his first-up run but is still a place chance.

3. Picargo (4)

Resumed for 2.3 lengths 5th over 1000m at Murray Bridge and generally improves second-up. In the mix.

4. Manhatten Times (8)

Returns from a 19 week spell and has trialled at Murray Bridge. Has 4 places from 6 Listed runs and goes well at this track. Put in the exotics.

5. Validated (7)

One of 2 runners sired by Valentia (the other is Starlite Valley). goes well here and was 4th in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes over 1400m at Flemington at his latest start. Has 2 wins and a place from his 3 runs at this track. One of the main chances.

6. Shaquero (1)

One of 2 runners for Richard & Chantelle Jolly (the other is Aitch Two Oh) and has drawn the rails. Resumed from a 19 week spell for 6th over 1000m at Murray Bridge on 13th January. Hasn’t raced at the track before. Don’t dismiss.

7. Pegasi (11)

Resumed from a 23 week spell for 3rd over 1000m at Murray Bridge on 13th January. Goes well second-up and has the speed to overcome the wide draw. Not the worst.

8. Magic Max (6)  – scratched

9. Grinzinger Prince (10)

Last start winner who came from last for a 2.3 length win over 1200m at Morphettville on 30th December. That was an impressive run. Place chance.

10. Aitch Two Oh (2)

She has outstanding form at this track with 2 wins and 3 places from 6 runs, and won a recent Murray Bridge trial after a 12 week let-up. Goes well fresh and is one of the main hopes.

11. Starlite Valley (3)

Goes well at this track and won 2 races in a row here back in November 2023. She comes off 8th in the Listed Black Pearl over 1200m at Geelong on 6th January. Could surprise.

12. Mouse Almighty (12)

Has drawn the outside barrier and returns from an 8 week let-up. Prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Validated
9 Grinzinger Prince
10 Aitch Two Oh
1 Savatoxl

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Aitch Two Oh
2nd	3 Picargo	1.5 lengths
3rd	9 Grinzinger Prince	1.9 lengths
4th	7 Pegasi	2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 8. Magic Max.