G.A. Towton Cup – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 9 runners for the $125,000 G.A. Towton Cup with 8 geldings and one mare. There is one four-year-old, two five-year-olds, two six-year-olds, three seven-year-olds and a nine-year-old. Eight runners had their last start in the Listed A.J. Scahill Cup over 2100m at Ascot on 25th November, while the other came through the Group 1 Railway Stakes over 1600m on 25th November. Trainers Daniel Morton and Daniel & Ben Pearce both have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Black Fantasy who was 3rd in the Scahill and has won at this distance before. Second favourite is Queen Alina who was a close 4th behind him. Third favourite is Another Chino who was a disappointing 10th in the race after winning the Listed Luckygray Stakes over 1800m at Ascot the start before. Neufbosc was 5th in the Scahill. The other runners are currently $18 or longer.

1. Startrade (1)

One of 2 runners for trainer Daniel Morton (the other is Another Chino). He has had 4 starts this campaign and hasn’t finished better than 8th. At his latest start he was 4.9 lengths 13th in the Group 1 Railway Stakes over 1600m on 25th November. Drawn the rails but looking to others.

2. Another Chino (3)

This 4YO is the youngest runner this year. He was a disappointing 10th in the Listed A.J. Scahill Cup over 2100m at Ascot on 25th November after winning the Listed Luckygray Stakes over 1800m at Ascot the start before. Can handle the distance and goes well at the track. Chance.

3. Atlantis Beach (6)

Unplaced in all 4 runs this preparation but has had excuses. He was wide throughout on a leaderish day before racing tight in the Luckgray, then he had the inside barrier last start in the Scahill was held up and finished off OK. He’s better suites out wider and winding up. Prepared to give him another chance.

4. Black Fantasy (4)

One of 2 runners for trainers Daniel & Ben Pearce (the other is Queen Alina). He finished 3rd in the Scahill and has won at this distance before. Should be in the finish.

5. Blazing Away (9)

Unplaced in all 5 runs this campaign. Unlikely.

6. Neufbosc (8)

This 9YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. He ran 3rd in this race last year and was 2nd in 2020. Kept coming steadily through the ruck for 5th in the Scahill. Place chance.

7. No Apology (7)

Has struggled in all 3 runs so far this preparation. Faded to finish 9th in the Scahill. Prefer others.

8. Queen Alina (5)

The only mare in the race this year. She finished 4th in the Scahill after 3rd in the Luckygray the start before. One of the main chances.

9. Truly Inspired (2)

Has been well back in both starts this campaign. Looking elsewhere.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Black Fantasy
8 Queen Alina
3 Atlantis Beach
6 Neufbosc

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Black Fantasy
2nd	8 Queen Alina	0.67 length
3rd	6 Neufbosc	0.95 length
4th	9 Truly Inspired	1.42 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.