Hannans Handicap – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the Hannans Handicap this year and they are all geldings. There is one 4YO, three 5YOs, two 6YO, four 7YOs, two 8YOs and one 10YO. Four runners had their last start in a RTG 72+ Handicap over 1400m at Belmont on 16th September, three in the Nicopolis Stakes over 1200m at Belmont on 16th September and two in the Listed Farnley Stakes over 1400m at Belmont on 9th September, while the rest came via different races. Eight of them have raced at Kalgoorlie before. Two runners are sired by Dream Ahead. Trainers Sean & Jake  Casey have 3 runners and Peter Fernie and Daniel & Ben Pearce have 2 runners each.

The early favourite is Magnificent Andy who won the RTG 72+ Handicap at Belmont on 16th September. Second favourite is Let’s Galahvant who came 2nd to Magnificent Andy last start, and was the winner of this race last year. Third favourite is topweight Mood Swings who finished 2nd in the Nicopolis Stakes and has been in the trifecta at his last 4 starts. Big Screen finished 5th in the Nicopolis when resuming and generally improves a lot second-up, while ex-Melbourne horse Proconsent is having his first race for Sean & Jake Casey and hasn’t raced here before. The other runners are currently $16 or longer.

1. Mood Swings (4)

Finished 2nd in the Nicopolis Stakes last outing which was his 4th consecutive start over 1400m at Belmont, where he has a win and 3 placings. This is his first start at Kalgoorlie and he has been so consistent lately that he has to be included in the chances.

2. Western Temple (7)

This 10YO is the oldest runner in the race this year and is also one of 2 runners sired by Dream Ahead (the other is Excellent Dream). He is one of two runners for Peter Fernie who has won this race before with Black George in 2011 and Mr Vadin in 2013. Western Temple is having his 4th start in this race after running 6th in 2020,  5th in 2021 and 11th in 2022. Rough place chance.

3. Let’s Galahvant (6)

Won this race last year at his only start at the track. Has placed at his last 2 starts and commands respect.

4. Excellent Dream (5)

Ran 3rd in this race last year but his lead-up form was better than this year. Not the worst.

5. Big Screen (8)

Resumed from a 31 week spell to run 5 lengths 5th in the Nicopolis Stakes. Has excellent second-up statistics winning 3 of 5 and has genuine early speed. Can make his presence felt.

6. Magnificent Andy (2)

Came from well back to win over 1400m at Belmont last start with the best closing splits. Has an excellent record at this distance. Should fight out the finish.

7. Cold Shizzle (11)

Has placed at his last 2 starts following a narrow win over 1300m at Belmont. Place chance.

8. Galaxy Affair (1)

This four-year-old is the youngest runner this year and goes well at Kalgoorlie, with 2 wins and a place here. Has drawn the inside barrier and could surprise.

9. Halatorion (10)

Has finished well back in the field at both starts this campaign. Prefer others.

10. No Change (12)

One of three runners for Sean & Jake Casey. Resumes from a 19 week spell and won first-up last campaign. Not out of it.

11. Proconsent (9)

Having her first start for Sean & Jake Casey.Went well in a Belmont trial. Should be a contender.

12. Staralign (13)

A track specialist with 7 wins and 5 places from 14 starts on the track, but has drawn the outside barrier here. Prefer to watch.

13. Tinsnip (3)

Returns from a seven week let-up but is unplaced in all 4 runs this preparation. Looking to others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
6 Magnificent Andy
3 Let’s Galahvant
5 Big Screen
11 Proconsent

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Magnificent Andy
2nd	3 Let’s Galahvant	0.32 length
3rd	7 Cold Shizzle	4.08 lengths
4th	2 Western Temple	4.52 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 8. Galaxy Affair.