Hills Railway Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Sixteen runners have accepted for the Hills Railway Stakes with 6 geldings, 9 mares and one filly. There is one 3YO, six 4YOs, five 5YOs, two 6YOs, one 7YO and one 9YO. Three of the runners had their last start in a BM 86 Handicap over 1000m at Morphettville Parks on 18 March, two in a 0-68 Handicap over 1000m at Morphetville Parks on 18 March, while the rest all came via different races. Trainer David Jolly has 2 runners.

The betting market is wide open. Early favouritism is shared between Taunting who resumed for 4th over 1050m at Morphettville on 13 March, and Home Rule who resumed for 3rd over 955m at Moonee Valley on 24 March. Third favourite is Scissor Step who only beat one home when resuming at The Valley and has had a change of trainer. Rich Gina was a close 2nd over 1000m at Morphettville Parks last start, while Gaze Grise was 4th in the same race. The rest of the runners are currently over $10.

1. Scissor Step (6)

Only beat one home when resuming at The Valley and has had a change of trainer from Mathew Ellerton to Tony & Calvin McEvoy. Has a good record at this distance and would be no surprise to see him run well.

2. Magnetic Edge (13)

Resumes from a 14 week spell. Placed at a recent trial at his track. Place chance.

3. Taunting (15)

Resumed for 4th over 1050m at Morphettville on 13 March. Has a good record at this distance and gets the winkers back on. Wide barrier is no help.

4. Zoulah (10)

Back from a 9 week let-up and gets the blinkers back on. Prefer others.

5. Calla Dream (14)

First up after 16 weeks. Solid record at this distance range and could place.

6. Gaze Grise (3)

She ran equal 2nd in this race last year. One of 2 runners for trainer David Jolly (the other is Miss Mucinni). She was 0.7 length 4th over 1000m at Morphettville Parks last start when resuming from a 25 week spell. Since then she has won an Oakbank trial by 1.2 lengths and look ready to run well here.

7. Arkham Knight (5)

This 9YO is the oldest runner this year. He hasn’t raced for 23 weeks and won first-up last preparation. Was 0.4 length 2nd in a recent Strathalbyn trial. Not the worst.

8. Daring Move (4)

Faded to finish 0.7 length 3rd last start at Morphettville Parks when first up and won at Morphettville Parks in her only second-up attempt. Should run well.

9. Home Rule (2)

Resumed for 3rd over 955m at Moonee Valley on 24 March. Drawn to do no work and has a good record at this distance. Serious player.

10. Rich Gina (16)

Drawn the outside barrier but generally gets back in the field anyway. She was a close 2nd over 1000m at Morphettville Parks last start and should run well again.

11. Larkham (1)

Drawn the inside barrier. Led all the way for a length win over 1000m at Morphettville Parks last start. One of the chances.

12. Hope At Hand (7)

This filly is the youngest runner in the field. She worked home strongly for a close 2nd when resuming over 1200m at Morphettville. Sneaky chance.

13. Starlite Valley (8)

Last start she led all the way for a 1.7 length win over 1300m at Morphettville Parks. Can surprise.

14. Endlessly (12)

Has 2 wins from 5 starts this campaign. Not the worst.

15. Miss Mucinni (9)

Has placed at her last 3 starts but this is harder.

16. Naleigh (11)

Prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
6 Gaze Grise
9 Home Rule
10 Rich Gina
11 Larkham

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Taunting
2nd	6 Gaze Grise	0.8 length
3rd	10 Rich Gina	2.8 lengths
4th	15 Miss Mucinni	4.2 lengths

The track was rated as Soft.

Scratching: 12. Hope At Hand.