Futurity Stakes 2023 Race Details
Race 8 at Sandown on Saturday the 25th February 2023.
The Futurity Stakes is a Group 1 race over 1400 metres run by the Melbourne Racing Club. It is a weight-for-age race normally held at Caulfield in February or early March each year but is at Sandown this year due to track redevelopment. Total prizemoney is $750,000 this year.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the Futurity Stakes page.
Futurity Stakes 2023 Preview
Track: Good Weather: Fine
Eight have accepted for the Group 1 Futurity Stakes. Half of these contested the Group 1 C F Orr which was won by Jacquinot here two weeks ago. Alligator Blood and My Oberon are first up, while the remaining two had their last starts in New South Wales.
Futurity Stakes 2023 Runner by Runner
1. I’m Thunderstruck
Was fifth in this race last year. Jumped a heavily backed favourite in the C F Orr and loomed to win before peaking over the last 50m. Interestingly he did something similar at his only other start on the Hillside track. Gets onto the Lakeside now. If he brings his best he will be very hard to beat.
2. Alligator Blood
First up. Was very unlucky first up in the Memsie Stakes in the spring before going onto win the Underwood here over 1800m and the Champions Mile at Flemington. Stable flying and the often leaderish nature of Lakeside should be to his liking.
3. Mr Brightside
Was the run of the race in Orr after being snicked right back from the wide gate and working home strongly. Expect a more positive ride in this. He can settle in the first four and has a great each way chance.
4. Laws Of Indices
Finished third in the Hong Kong Mile in December and was a solid enough sixth resuming in the Apollo at Randwick. His best is good enough to win.
5. Aegon
Kiwi galloper. Not beaten far first up in the Orr when poking up along the inside. He should get a sweet run here. Prefer him the place.
6. My Oberon
Import who was extremely impressive winning the Crystal Mile at his first start for Annabel Neasham. Wouldn’t shock but I wasn’t taken by his trials and am happy to watch him first up.
7. Mr Mozart
Ran well first up in an easier assignment at Randwick. Should be closer in the run here and the extra trip suits. Rough chance.
8. Nugget
Fit horse who measured right up to Group 1 level with a placing in the Orr. Maps for a soft run again here. He can run another place.
Futurity Stakes 2023 Tips
The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.
|
Lewis Oliver’s Tips
|
Jo Jackson’s Tips | |
| 2 Alligator Blood | 2 Alligator Blood | |
| 3 Mr Brightside | 3 Mr Brightside | |
| 1 I’m Thunderstruck | 1 I’m Thunderstruck | |
| 4 Laws Of Indices | 6 My Oberon |
Previews for other races this week
Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1200m)
Group 1 Oakleigh Plate 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1100m)
Group 2 Peter Young Stakes 2023 (Sandown Hillside 1800m)
Group 2 Autumn Classic 2023 (Sandown Hillside 1800m)
Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1400m)
Group 3 Mannerism Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1400m)
Group 3 Zeditave Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1200m)
Listed Victoria Gold Cup 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 2100m)
Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1600m)
Group 1 Surround Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1400m)
Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1400m)
Group 2 Skyline Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1200m)
Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1200m)
Group 3 Liverpool City Cup 2023 (Randwick 1300m)
Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes 2023 (Morphettville 2600m)
Listed Detonator Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1800m)
Listed Lex Piper Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1600m)
Listed Ascot 1000 Guineas 2023 (Ascot 1800m)
Listed Pinjarra Classic 2023 (Pinjarra 1300m) – Sunday
Futurity Stakes 2023 Race Results
| Result | Horse | Margin |
| 1st | 2 Alligator Blood | |
| 2nd | 3 Mr Brightside | 1.25 lengths |
| 3rd | 1 I’m Thunderstruck | 1.75 lengths |
| 4th | 5 Aegon | 3.5 lengths |
The track was rated as Good 3.
Scratchings: 4. Law Of Indices, 7. Mr Mozart.