H C Nitschke Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratchings of Eye Of The Eagle and Pretty Tavi, 16 runners remain for the H C Nitsche Stakes. There are 5 geldings, 10 fillies and one colt. Four of the runners had their last start in a 3YO Handicap over 1400m at Oakbank on 8 April (won by Fiorada Lad), two in a 3YO Fillies Handicap over 1200m at Sandown Hillside on 8 April and two in a F&M BM 68 Handicap over 1200m at Morphettville on 15 April (won by Prairie Flower). The rest all came via different races. Runners have had from 1 to 18 starts and only one is still a maiden. Trainer Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea have 3 runners.

The early favourite is Royal Merchant who finished 0.2 lengths 2nd in the Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes, then was 0.2 lengths 3rd over 1200m at Sandown Lakeside on 8 April. Second favourite is Caste who won ahead of Jennilala at Sandown last start. Third favourite is Meridius who won over 1400m at Flemington  on 11 March before finishing midfield in the Listed Bendigo Guineas. Prairie Flower was a last start winner at Morphettville, while Boognish won by nearly 5 lengths at her only start over 1200m at Murray Bridge on 26 March. The rest of the runners are currently over $12.

1. Meridius (15)

Won over 1400m at Flemington on 11 March before finishing 3.7 lengths 7th in the Listed Bendigo Guineas. Drawn wide but has ability.

2. Test The Law (8)

Has 3 wins and 5 places from 11 starts. Resumed from a 10 week let-up and blew the start to finish near last over 1050m at Morphettville. Won his last second-up start but prefer others.

3. Fiorada Lad (9)

Has won his last 2 starts. Last outing won by 1.2 lengths over 1400m at Oakbank. Place chance.

4. Eye Of The Eagle (13)  – SCRATCHED

5. Kiki Express (5)

Gets winkers on for the first time. Not the worst.

6. Royal Merchant (4)

Finished 0.2 lengths 2nd in the Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes, then was 0.2 lengths 3rd over 1200m at Sandown Lakeside on 8 April. Has strong claims.

7. Prairie Flower (7)

Last start winner over 1200m at Morphettville. Could place.

8. Pretty Tavi (17)  – SCRATCHED

9. Caste (6)

Won ahead of Jennilala at Sandown last start and that horse has won since at Group 3 level. One of the main chances.

10. Billie Bronx (2)

Has won 2 of her 3 starts. Nicely drawn and could surprise.

11. Pampuni (12)

Only beat one home last start and gets blinkers on for the first time. Prefer others.

12. Miss Galore (1)

Gets the inside barrier. Has a win from 2 starts. Place only.

13. Boognish (10)

One of 3 fillies trained by Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea (the others are Floral Oasis and Sixteen Reasons). She has only had one start, where she won by nearly 5 lengths over 1200m at Murray Bridge on 26 March. Could be anything.

14. Floral Oasis (18)

Gets the extreme outside barrier. Looks tested.

15e. Tapinforpar (16)

Drawn wide. Looks tested.

16e. Sixteen Reasons (3)

Has finished runner-up at 4 of her 5 starts. Not the worst.

17e. Club Punter (11)

Looks safely held.

18e. I’m A Dexstar (14)

Looking to others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
9 Caste
6 Royal Merchant
7 Prairie Flower
13 Boognish

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	9 Caste
2nd	6 Royal Merchant	0.1 length
3rd	12 Miss Galore	1.2 lengths
4th	7 Prairie Flower	3.7 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 1. Meridius, 3. Fiorada Lad, 4. Eye Of The Eagle, 5. Kiki Express, 8. Pretty Tavi, 14. Floral Oasis.