Empire Rose – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

The third and final Group 1 on the program is the $1,000,000 Empire Rose.  As is often the case in mares races this is an open race with a big field and many chances.  The current favourite is Alchohol Free.  She came to Australia with big wraps and after a slow start is beginning to show signs of her international form.  She was fourth in The Invitation last week and maps for a good run here with Opie Bosson doing the steering.

Atishu has been set for this and should be suited by a fast tempo.  Princess Grace has strong form around the likes of Mr Brightside and Fangirl but was disappointing here in the Blazer last start when a short priced favourite.

1. Alcohol Free

Ex European runner having her fifth start for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott.  Never likely in The Everest two back but thought she ran really well in The Invitation last week.  Now gets to the mile and maps for a beaut run in behind the speed.

2. Princess Grace

Has form all around the good weight for age horses earlier this campaign, running second in the Winx behind Fangirl who was unlucky in last weeks Cox Plate, then second in the Memsie behind Mr Brightside who was beaten a nose in the Cox Plate.  If you can forgive her last run when beaten as a short priced favourite and trust the SP she is right in the mix.

3. Hope In Your Heart

Quality mare who rarely runs badly.  Has just got way too far back at her last two starts – has ran home as well as she could from those positions.  Tim Clark back on is a big tick.  Can she do what Icebath did last year and shoot up the fence?

4. Atishu

Thought her first two runs over unsuitable distances were very good, then like Hope In Your Heart, she just got way too far back in the King Charles.  Finds a much better set up here with McDonald going on fourth up from a good draw and a likely fast tempo which will suit.  Has a sense of timing about her.

5. Hinged

Another of the Waller runners.  She was fourth in the Winx Stakes back in August and could end up with a great run here for Blake Shinn.

6. Foxy Frida

Put in a much improved performance to run third at Caulfield last start.  She’s a good mare on her day and loves racing here.

7. Renaissance Woman

She won the Angst Stakes at Randwick two back then was a narrow second in the Craven Plate last week when finishing well down the outside alongside Zeyrek.  Could be suited if they run along out in front.

8. Barbie’s Fox

Finished fourth in the Epsom two back then looked all over the winner at Caulfield before Wishlor Lass kicked back on the post.  Will have to go back and circle them from barrier 16 which won’t be easy.

9. Wrote To Arataki

Was a huge effort to sit wide and run third here two back, then copped a peach from Yendall at Caulfield and held out the challengers.  Rough hope again here.

10. Pride Of Jenni

Was a cracking run behind Amelia’s Jewel at the Valley then stuck on well enough for sixth in the Toorak.  Has to speed to get across and sit outside lead from the wide gate.  Each way hope at odds.

11. Deny Knowledge

Thought her run in the Stocks Stakes two back was good, then she just went way to hard in the Caulfield Stakes against weight for age horses.  Kah goes on for this.  Could give a sight if she settles.

12. Life Lessons

Won the Blazer Stakes beating short priced favourite Princess Grace here last start.  Will need a good ride from 15.

13. Shuffle Dancer

Was a good run in the Tristarc last start finishing hard down the outside for second.  Will need luck from barrier two.

14. Wishlor Lass

Is a winner but is unlikely to get the same favours as she has at her last two here.

15. Ausbred Flirt

Is going well but looks a rung below some of these.

16. More Secrets

Was third in the Queen Of The Turf in the Autumn and an eye catcher from the back at Randwick last start on a day where it was very hard to make up ground. Knock out hope.

17e. Jennilala

Got the cash after being well backed at Caulfield first up.  This is a big rise in grade.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Atishu	4 Atishu
1 Alcohol Free	2 Princess Grace
2 Princess Grace	1 Alcohol Free
3 Hope In Your Heart	14 Wishlor Lass

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Pride Of Jenni
2nd	4 Atishu	1 length
3rd	12 Life Lessons	3.75 lengths
4th	11 Deny Knowledge	3.95 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratching: 9. Wrote To Arataki.