Exford Plate – 2023

Track: Good  Weather: Fine

Sixteen 3YOs have accepted for the 2023 Exford Plate with 11 colts, 3 geldings and 2 fillies. Four runners had their last start in the Group 3 H.D.F McNeil Stakes  over 1200m at Caulfield on 2nd September and two in a Maiden Plate over 1300m at Sandown Hillside on 30th August ,while the rest all came through different races. Six runners are maidens. Three runners are sired by Trapeze Artist and two by Impending. Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have 2 runners.

The short-priced early favourite is Legacies who resumed for 2nd in the McNeil and won both starts in her first preparation. Second favourite is Introducing who is on a seven day back-up and bucked after the start in the McKenzie Stakes. Third favourite is Griff who gets the inside barrier. Mojave Desert is still a maiden but was runner-up last start, while Nodachi has only missed the trifecta once in 5 starts. The rest of the runners are currently $17 or more.

1. Le Zebra (13)

Finished four lengths back last start over 1200m at Caulfield when first up after 15 weeks, but won at Sandown Hillside in only second-up attempt. Rough place chance.

2. Make A Call (11)

He has had 11 starts, which is more than any other winner. Still a maiden but has placed 4 times. Prefer others.

3. Introducing (5)

One of 3 colts in the  race sired by Trapeze Artist (the others are Griff and Gallant Prince) He is on a seven day back-up and bucked after the start in the Listed McKenzie Stakes over 1200m a Moonee Valley last start where he finished 2.2 lengths off the winner.Has lots of early speed and gets blinkers for the first time. Should be in the finish.

4. Surprise Coming (16)

South Australian who has the visitors draw of the outside barrier. Has 2 wins from 4 starts this preparation and gets blinkers on for the first time. One of 2 runners sired by Impending (the other is Nearing Liberty). Sneaky chance.

5. Gangitano (12)

Big 3.5 length winner over 1400m on the Pakenham synthetic last start to break his maiden. Respect.

6. Some People Callme (14)

One of 2 runners for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace (the other is Griff). Ran strong through the line for a 2 length win in a Geelong maiden on 3rd September. Looks a serious contender.

7. Mojave Desert (2)

Still a maiden but was runner-up last start. Well drawn and should run well.

8. Griff (1)

Gets the inside barrier. Wasn’t far away in the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes last start. In the mix.

9. Deadly Press (10)

Ran 9th in the McNeil. Prefer in something easier.

10. Esskay (8)

Looks tested.

11. King Of Fighters (6)

Runner-up in both starts. Honest runner but prefer in an easier race.

12. Gallant Prince (15)

Close runner up over 1400m at Bendigo and should get his maiden win soon, but not here.

13. Nearing Liberty (4)

Unlikely.

14. Double Glazed (9)

Prefer to watch.

15. Legacies (7)

Quality filly who resumed for 2nd in the Group 3 H.D.F McNeil Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield on 2nd September and won both starts in her first preparation. Looks the likely winner.

16. Nodachi (3)

Has only missed the trifecta once in 5 starts. Outside chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Lewis Oliver’s Tips
15 Legacies	15 Legacies
3 Introducing	1 Le Zebra
5 Gangitano	7 Mojave Desert
4 Surprise Coming	3 Introducing

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	8 Griff
2nd	4 Surprise Coming	0.5 length
3rd	1 King Of Fighters	0.6 length
4th	16 Nodachi	1.1 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 6. Some People Callme.