Feehan Stakes – 2023

Track: Soft Weather: Chance of a shower

A capacity field of fifteen have accepted for an opportunity to win a ballot free entry into the WS Cox Plate.  The key lead up race is the PB Lawrence Stakes – four of the top six in the betting had their last start in it.  However it’s the one of the resumers, Globe, who currently heads the betting.  He’s unbeaten, with a stack of upside and has been a real eye catcher at the jump outs recently.  Tuvalu, Attrition and Pinstriped were all good runs in the Lawrence first up.

1.  Tuvalu

Group 1 winner who had an indifferent Autumn.  They rode him cold in the Lawrence first up where he ran home strongly into fourth signalling he might be back to somewhere close to his best.  If Shinn can slot him in with some cover somewhere behind the speed he has a great winning chance.

2. El Bodegon

Was third in the Cox Plate here last year but is impossible to have off recent form.

3. Francesco Guardi

Last time we saw him here he destroyed them in the Moonee Valley Cup. Ran well above his SP in the Winx first up.   Better over further but if they over do it in front he could be finishing hard.

4. Savatoxl

Speed influence from the outside alley but not going well enough to win.

5. King Magnus

Outclassed and gets no favours from the draw.

6. Pounding

Ran well in the Lawrence first up and draws the perfect gate to sit just off them here.  In the mix.

7. Pinstriped

Loved his run in the Lawrence first up.  Gets winkers here.  Each way chance.

8. Forgot You

Showed signs of life in the Lawrence with an eye catching seventh from a long way back on the turn.  Capable of settling closer here.  Wouldn’t shock to see him run first four at big odds.

9. Alaskan God;

Western Australian who gets the services of Damian Oliver.  Happy to watch him.

10. Goldman

Is unbeaten since arriving from NZ.  Won the Roy Higgins comfortably before spelling.  Waterhouse and Bott flying but is likely to need further.

11. Globe

Boom horse trained by Price and Kent Jnr.  He won all four starts in his first prep including his last two by 4 lengths.  Has to do it at weight for age now but his jump outs have been very good and the fact they opt to go straight to weight for age with him suggests to me the stable think he could be a star.  However, he’s been extremely well found in early markets, especially given the sticky gate.  I think we will get better than $3.20 on the day.

12. Virtuous Circle

Talented stayer who was second in the ATC Derby.  Likely to find these a bit slippery first up.

13. Attrition

Four year old on the rise.  He progressed quickly through the grades in the Autumn and was a strong second in the Group 1 Australian Guineas.  Was a good run first up in the Lawrence behind Mr Brightside.  Might need one more but I expect him to give a good account of himself here.

14. Lunar Flare

Has her place booked in the Melbourne Cup thanks to a devastating win at her last start in May.  Expect her to get well back here and be allowed to work home.

15. Deny Knowledge

Six year old mare who keeps getting better with racing.  She destroyed them by ten lengths in the Country Oaks at Geelong before spelling.  Resumed with a convincing all the way win here and was noticeably very strong past the line.  Rises 4.5kg against much better horses here but is not with out a chance.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
11 Globe	11 Globe
1 Tuvalu	7 Pinstriped
6 Pounding	1 Tuvalu
7 Pinstriped	15 Deny Knowledge

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Pinstriped
2nd	13 Attrition	0.1 length
3rd	1 Tuvalu	0.85 length
4th	6 Pounding	1.35 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings: 3. Francesco Guardi, 5. King Magnus.