Grandstand Cup – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 9 geldings and one mare in the $125,000 Grandstand Cup. Five of them had their last start in the Listed Bunbury Stakes over 1400m on the 11th of March and two in a rating 72+ Handicap over 1400m at Ascot on 11 March while the other three all came via different races. There are two 5YOs, four 6YOs, three 7YOS and a 9YO.

The betting is fairly open and the early favourite is Em Tee Aye who finished 2 lengths 7th in the Bunbury Stakes when resuming from a spell. Second favourite is Creator who was disappointing running 6th in the Bunbury Stakes after a win and a 2nd at his 2 starts before then. Third favourite is Last Of The Line who resumed for 8th in the Bunbury Stakes. Cheval De Vega ran 4th over 1600m at Ascot last outing after leading to the 150m when he was headed. Big Bada Boom won over 1400m at Ascot on 11 March and Eeyore Wayz finished 0.8 length 3rd behind him. All other runners are currently $12 or more.

1. Last Of The Line (5)

Resumed from a 16 week spell for 8th in the Bunbury Stakes. Has a great second-up record (3 from 4) and can place here.

2. Em Tee Aye (1)

Finished 2 lengths 7th in the Bunbury Stakes when resuming from a spell, and has drawn the inside barrier. In  the mix.

3. Carocapo (2)

This 9YO is the oldest runner in the race this year but can still run a good race. He led in the Bunbury Stakes until over hauled late to finish 0.9 length 2nd. Can surprise.

4. Big Bada Boom (8)

Won over 1400m at Ascot on 11 March in a faster time than the Listed race on that day. Goes well at this distance and Mrs Lucy Fiore stays on him. Winning chance.

5. Bruce Almighty (4)

This 7YO Playing God gelding ran 2nd in this race last year. Finished 7th in the Listed Detonator Stakes over 1800m on 25 February, then 7th in the Listed Bunbury Cup over 2100m on 11 March. Prefer others.

6. Cheval De Vaga (6)

Ran 4th over 1600m at Ascot last outing after leading to the 150m when he was headed. Not the worst.

7. Creator (9)

Was disappointing running 6th in the Bunbury Stakes after a win over 1200m at Ascot on 11 February then a 2nd in the Listed Pinjarra Classic over 1300m on 26 February. Expect him to improve.

8. Eeyore Wayz (7)

Finished 0.8 length 3rd behind  Big Bada Boom over 1400m at Ascot on 11 March. Sneaky place chance.

9. Playing Marika (3)

The only mare in the race. Returns from an 11 week let-up after running 3rd in the Group 3 La Trice Classic over 1800m on 1 January. Place chance.

10. The Spruiker (10)

Disappointed when 4  lengths 10th in the Bunbury Stakes. Needs to lift.

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

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 8. Eeyore Wayz.