Farnley Stakes – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the Farnley Stakes this year. There are 10 geldings and 3 mares with one 5YO, three 6YOs, four 7YOs, three 8YOs, one 9YO and one 10YO. Five runners had their last start in the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes over 1300m at Belmont on 26 August, two in the Blue Spec Stakes over 1600m at Belmont on 19 August, while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Dream Ahead and two by Gingerbread Man. Trainer Simon A. Miller has 2 runners.

The betting is very open and the early favourite is Searchin’ Roc’s who resumes here from a 40 week spell and has been trialling nicely. Second favourite is Nerodio who finished 2nd in the Idyllic Prince Stakes. Third favourite is Ginger Baker who comes off a 1.9 length win in the Blue Spec Stakes. Ginger Flyer ran 2nd in this race last year. Panzdown finished 5th in the Belmont Newmarket, while Eeyore Wayz finished 3rd in the Blue Spec. The other runners are currently $15 or longer.

1. Nerodio (3)

This 8YO Playing God gelding finished 2nd in the Idyllic Prince Stakes (for the 2nd consecutive year), and finished 4th in the Belmont Newmarket 4 weeks ago. He has won 11 of his 35 starts and all his wins have been at this track. Has to carry 60.5 kg here which is 6.5 kg more than over half of the field. Gets the services of William Pike who won this race in 2018, 2010 and 2005. He’s a good horse and should run well but may feel the weight towards the end.

2. Comes A Time (10)

Dropped away late in the Idyllic Prince to finish 7th and had a slow recovery so may have had issues. At the previous start he chased gamely for a close 2nd in the Belmont Newmarket at big odds. Relishes soft going and should run well again.

3. Jadavi (13)

She won her last start over 2100m at Ascot on  May, and resumes from an 18 week spell. Generally needs her first-up run. Drawn the outside barrier. Prefer others.

4. Searchin’ Roc’s  (9)

Trained by Jim Taylor who won this race with Idyllic Prince back in 2009. She resumes here from a 40 week spell and has been trialling nicely. She has 2 Group 3 wins to her credit and only 2 other runners have won at Group level (Samizdat and Neufbosc). Jockey Chris Parnham won this race last year on Resortman. Leading contender.

5. Ginger Baker  (7)

Comes off a 1.9 length win in the Blue Spec Stakes on a soft track. Won that race well and goes down in weight. Has 5 wins at this track and should make his presence felt.

6. Samizdat (5)

From the Chris & Michael Gangemi stable and resumes from a 33 week spell. Has had a couple of trials but looking elsewhere.

7. Blazing Away (4)

Stayer resuming from a 22 week spell. Tends to need his first-up run. Not here.

8. Eeyore Wayz  (1)

Ran 3rd in this race last year. Finished 3rd in the Blue Spec last start. Five of his 7 wins have been over 1000m and he hasn’t won beyond 1300m, but he is a versatile type and from barrier 1 it wouldn’t surprise to see him run a place.

9. Excellent Dream (11)

Led into the straight last start but the 62kg he carried got to him and he finished 3 lengths behind the winner. Not the worst.

10. Ginger Flyer (12)

She ran 2nd in this race last year and is one of 2 runners for Simon A Miller (the other is Panzdown). Ran 4th in the Blue Spec then a week later ran 4th in the Idyllic Prince. Could show up.

11. Neufbosc (8)

Good stayer who resumed after 20 weeks to run 6th in the Idyllic Prince and generally needs a couple of runs to show his best. He can’t handle soft going so is unlikely here.

12. Panzdown (2)

Finished 5th in the Belmont Newmarket, last start. Seems to relish soft going and is capable of getting into the money.

13. Western Temple (6)

The veteran of the field at 10 years old. He was disappointing when last in the Belmont Newmarket then ran 5th in the Idyllic Prince last outing. Hasn’t won in 20 outings to this track. Looking to others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Searchin’ Roc’s
5 Ginger Baker
1 Nerodio
10 Ginger Flyer

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Searchin’ Roc’s
2nd	3 Jadavi	0.81 length
3rd	1 Nerodio	1.12 lengths
4th	5 Ginger Baker	1.54 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 13. Western Temple