Hannans Handicap – 2021

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 10 runners for the $150,000 Hannans Handicap. They are all geldings and range in age form four to eight-years-old. Two runners had their last start in the Listed Farnley Stakes over 1400m at Belmont on 11 September, two in the Nicopolis Stakes over 1200m at Belmont on 18 September and two in an Open Sprint over 1300m at Kalgoorlie on 19 September. The others all came through different races. Two are sired by Blackfriars and three runners are trained by Peter Fernie. Popular runner Roger The Roman who has contested the race for the last four years won’t be running, as he is now retired.

The early favourite is five-year-old That’s Funny Az who won the Ngawyni Stakes over 1400m at Belmont last start and drops 2.5 kg in weight here. Second favourite is topweight Tellem We’re Comin who won this race in 2019, and comes off a win in the Farnley Stakes last start. Third favourite is Dig Deep who resumes here from a 13 week break and goes well at this distance.

Moschard ran on strongly to just miss over 1300m at Kalgoorlie last start.  Jericho Missile was only 0.6 length from the winner when 5th in the Nicopolis Stakes last start while Pym’s Royale finished 2.5 lengths 8th in that race, but has very strong form at this track and was runner-up in this race in 2020. Special View was a winner over 1600m at Belmont last start and drops 2.5 kg, while Western Temple finished 4th in the Farnley Stakes.  The other two runners are currently 50 to 1 or longer.

1. Tellem We’re Comin

One of two runners sired by Blackfriars. He won this race in 2019 at his only start at Kalgoorlie. He has had three runs this campaign for 2nd in the Listed Belmont Newmarket, 2nd in the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes, then a 0.8 length winner of the Farnley Stakes. Looks well-placed here and is one of the main chances.

2. Dig Deep

This five-year-old Deep Field gelding hasn’t raced since 26 June when he finished 3.3 lengths 5th in the Group 3 Strickland Stakes over 2000m. Two of his five wins have been over this distance and he has placed in one of his two trials. Has the services of jockey William Pike who rode six winners on Saturday, so that is a big plus.

3. Western Temple

One of three runners for Peter Fernie. At eight-years-old he is the oldest runner this year. He finished midfield  last start in the Farnley Stakes and has won one of three starts at this track. Ran 6th in this race last year. Not the worst.

4. That’s Funny Az

This Snippetson gelding has won eight of his 23 starts. He was a 0.3 length winner of the Ngawyni Stakes over 1400m at Belmont when fresh and has four wins at this distance. Should fight out the finish.

5. Jericho Missile

Has finished 5th at this last three starts and has not won beyond 1200m. Rough place chance.

6. Moschard

Another of Peter Fernie’s runners, this seven-year-old was narrowly beaten as a favourite last start at Kalgoorlie and has five placings from eight runs this preparation. Goes well at this track and is one of the main hopes.

7. On Red Alert

This seven-year-old has three wins and eight places from 17 starts. He resumed from a 12 week break for a nose 2nd over 1100m at Kalgoorlie on 19 September, which was his first run at this track. Could surprise.

8. Pym’s Royale

Hasn’t beaten many home at this last three starts at Belmont, but he has outstanding form at this track with seven wins and a place from nine starts here. Ran 2nd in this race last year and can’t be ignored

9. Special View

This four-year-old is the youngest runner this year, and likes to lead. He won over 1600m at Belmont last start and is one for the multiples.

10. Startthefriar

He won the Coolgardie Sprint over 1300m here two runs back, then finished 1.1 lengths 3rd over 1300m here on 19 September. Could place.

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

Jo’s Tips
1 Tellem We’re Comin
6 Moschard
2 Dig Deep
4 That’s Funny Az

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Startthefriar
2nd	2 Dip Deep	0.52 length
3rd	4 That’s Funny Az	1.87 lengths
4th	8 Pym’s Royale	1.9 lengths

Tellem We’re Comin had to be pulled out of the race by jockey Brad Rawiller after putting on a buck-jumping display. William Pike was also dumped, after the race, from Dig Deep who charged home to run a close second.

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings:-