Furphy Sprint/Begonia Belle Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Following the early scratchings of Zapateo, 11 mares remain for the 2023 Furphy Sprint. There are seven 4YOs, two 5YOs and two 6YOs. Five runners had their last start in the Listed Alinghi Stakes over 1100m at Caulfield on 21st October and two in the Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield on 14th October, while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by I Am Invincible.

The early favourite is Rose Quartz who finished 2nd behind She Dances in the Northwood Plume last start and has good form at Flemington. The second favourite is Dancing Alone who has won 6 of her 7 starts. Third favourite is Red Card who went too hard early in the Northwood Plume and finished 7th. Queen Of The Ball already has 3 wins at Group 3 level. Lempicka was a narrow winner of the Alinghi Stakes while Hypothetical ran 2nd. All other runners are currently $15 or longer.

1. Zapateo (3)  – SCRATCHED

2. Queen Of The Ball (12)

One of 2 mares sired by I Am Invincible in this race (the other is Dancing Alone). She already has 3 wins at Group 3 level and finished 4th in the Group 3 The Nivison over 1200m at Rosehill on 7th October. She has the speed to overcome drawing the widest barrier,and should go well.

3. Aitch Two Oh (6)

Ran 1 length 5th in the Listed Alinghi Stakes over 1100m at Caulfield on 21st October after taking the lead at the 300m then being headed at the 200m. In the mix.

4. Red Card (11)

Went too hard early in the Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield on 14th October, and finished 7th. She has won 6 of her 13 starts and is a genuine contender.

5. Lempicka (7)

She was a narrow winner of the Alinghi Stakes  last outing, giving her 3 wins from 3 starts this campaign. Wouldn’t be a big surprise to see her in the finish.

6. Rose Quartz (1)

Finished 2nd behind She Dances in the Northwood Plume last start and has good form at Flemington. She Dances would be favourite if she was in this, so Rose Quartz is one of the main chances.

7. Willinga Beast (9)

Always runs an honest race but has only one win from 10 starts. Winkers go on for the first time. Rough place chance.

8. Hypothetical (8)

Ran 2nd in the Alinghi Stakes where she fought back hard along the rails when headed, to only go down by 0.2 length. Has strong claims.

9. Starlight Scope (4)

Finished 1.9 lengths 7th in the Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes over 1400m at Flemington last start. Down in distance. Prefer others.

10. Dancing Alone (10)

Has won 6 of her 7 starts and is having her first try in a black-type race. Her last 2 starts were a 0.5 length win over 1100m at Flemington on 24th September and a 1.75 length win over 1100m at Caulfield on 18th October. Likely to race on the speed and ha a big weight drop from her last couple of runs. Strong chance.

11. Ghaanati (2)

Chased hard for 4th in the Alinghi. Not the worst.

12. South Of Houston (5)

Lightly raced mare with 2 wins and 3 runner-ups from her 5 starts. Watch for any betting moves.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Lewis Oliver’s Tips
6 Rose Quartz	6 Rose Quartz
10 Dancing Alone	7 Willinga Beas
8 Hypothetical	5 Lempicka
4 Red Card	2 Queen OF The Ball

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2 Queen Of The Ball
2nd	8 Hypothetical	1 length
3rd	10 Dancing Alone	2.75 lengths
4th	6 Rose Quartz	3.75 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 1. Zapateo.