Gilgai Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Fourteen have accepted for the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes.  Star Patrol was terrific winning the Bobbie Lewis first up and it’s no surprise to see him come up favourite in a fairly week edition of this race.  C’est Magique boasts a second in the Group 1 Coolmore this course and distance, she is on the next line of betting with Jigsaw who has drifted early.

1 Jigsaw

Resumes. Has won six of seven since being gelded with the only blemish coming in the Group 1 William Reid at Moonee Valley. He has turned into a punters pal but I do worry about him at the end of 1200m first up. The straight is also a query.  That being said this isn’t a deep race.

2 Star Patrol

Thought his win here first up was awesome. Ran along at break neck speed out in front and kept kicking to hold off two handy ones. He’s a gun down the straight. I think his best just wins this. The concern is how much that first up effort has taken out of him?

3 Snapper (Nz)

Finished 16 lengths behind Star Patrol last time out. Would be a shock to see him win this.

4 Showmanship (Nz)

Resumes from a 12-month spell. Now with John Leek Jnr.  He’s a real talent but has clearly had some issues. Market best guide.

5 Ashford Street

Out of a high rating race at Caulfield. Shinn to Nugent is a concern.

6 Outlaws Revenge

Resumes. Won the Wangoom at the Bool on heavy ground back in May. Place chance.

7 Zoutori

Thought his run first up behind Star Patrol was encouraging and he gets a big weight swing on that horse. Loves the straight!

8 Shelby Sixtysix

Been a while since he has fired a shot. Needs wet ground.

9 Fender

He was okay first up but disappointing last start in an easier contest.

10 On the Lead

Has got back and worked home well both times this prep. Is ready to do something now.

11 Triple Missile

Has been really good at both straight track runs. He’s got a serious turn of foot and gets J Kah first up. My concern is one run in twelve months and just the one jump out. Market best guide!

12 Cause for Concern

Ran well here in a much easier race here last start. Rough top four chance.

13 Rocket Tiger

Was strong late at Caulfield but that was an easier contest and he started $61!

14 C’est Magique

Talented filly who was second in last year’s Coolmore this track and trip! Like that she’s been back to the jump outs since a sound first up effort behind Benedetta. Needs to find a few lengths but has the talent to do so.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Star Patrol	2 Star Patrol
7 Zoutori	1 Jigsaw
11 Triple Missile	4 Showmanship
14 C’est Magique	14 C’est Magique

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2 Star Patrol
2nd	11 Triple Missile	1 length
3rd	14 C’est Magique	2.25 lengths
4th	12 Cause For Concern	3.75 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 4. Showmanship.