H G Bolton Sprint – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners for the H.G. Bolton Sprint this year with 2 mares and 12 geldings. There are two 4YOs, four 5YOs, four 6YOs, two 7YOs, one 9YO and one 10YO. Eight runners had their last start in the Listed Beaufine Stakes over 1000m at Belmont on 8 July while the rest all came via different races. Chris & Michael Gangemi have 3 runners.

The early favourite is Real Danger who was 2nd in the Beaufine Stakes last start after winning her previous 2 starts. Second favourite is Bitofmerit who has 5 wins and 3 places from 10 starts. Third favourite is Vane Tempest who won by over 2 lengths over 1300m on a heavy track last start and has good form on softer tracks. Phanta resumes here and goes really well first-up, while Nerodio was 3rd in the Beaufine, and was 3rd in this race last year. The other runners are currently $10 or longer.

1. Nerodio (5)

This 7YO Playing God gelding has won 11 of his 32 starts and all his wins have been at this track. He finished 3rd in this race last year. He resumed for 3rd in the Beaufine Stakes and likes the cut in the ground. In the mix.

2. Money Matters (13)

One of 3 runners for Chris & Michael Gangemi (the others are Phanta and True Detective). He resumed for 4.8 lengths 8th in the Beaufine. He is one of 2 Group winners in the race (the other is True Detective) as he won the Group 3 Roma Cup in 2021. Hasn’t won for a while and may need another run to show his best. Looking to others.

3. Comes A Time (3)

Resumed from a 33 week spell for 6th in the Beaufine. Has never won second-up. Jockey Chris Parnham has won this race for the past 2 years. Could surprise.

4. Ghost Who Walks (4)

This 5YO is well into his campaign, having had 8 runs since resuming in April and was a 0.6 length winner of the Beaufine. He is trained by Neville Parnham who has won this race 3 times before with War God (2019), Electic (2006) & Spook (1998). He’s in great form with 4 wins and 2 places from his last 6 starts. His best distance is over 1000m but he can show up here.

5. Great Again (14)

This 10YO is the veteran of the field and resumed from a long 42 week spell to finish 4.6 lengths 7th in the Beaufine. Has drawn the widest barrier and prefer others.

6. Western Temple (1)

This 9YO ran 3rd in this race 2 years ago. Hasn’t raced for 37 weeks. Prefer to see.

7. Bitofmerit (12)

Has 5 wins and 3 places from 10 starts. Won at this track and distance 2 starts ago then seemed to find the 1400m too far last start. Not the worst.

8. Coming Around (7)

No wins at this track or distance. Prefer others.

9. Eeyore Wayz (11)

Resumed from a 17 week spell for 2.7 lengths 5th in the Beaufine. Prefer him over 1000m.

10. Panzdown (6)

Much better over 1000m. Looking to others.

11. Phanta (10)

One of the Gangemi runners, he resumes from a 25 week spell. He won a recent trial, goes well first-up and has great form here. Should at least place.

12. Real Danger (9)

One of 2 mares in the race. She won her first 2 starts this campaign before finishing 0.6 length 2nd in the Beaufine. Jockey William Pike has won this race 5 times before (Valour Road 2019; Rebel King 2015; Celebrity Miss 2014; Marasco 2008; Is Amazing 2007). She has won 2 from 5 at this track and looks capable of winning this.

13. True Detective (8)

This ex Chris Waller horse is having his 2nd run for trainers Chris & Michael Gangemi after running 9th in the Beaufine. He was disappointing last start and should improve over this trip.

14. Vane Tempest (2)

She won by over 2 lengths over 1300m at Belmont on a heavy track last start. Has drawn nicely and should go well.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
11 Phanta
12 Real Danger
14 Vane Tempest
4 Ghost Who Walks

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Phanta
2nd	10 Panzdown	1.54 lengths
3rd	6 Western Temple	2.83 lengths
4th	1 Nerodio	2.94 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratching: 5. Great Again.