Hyperion Stakes – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are 10 runners for the Hyperion Stakes this year with 7 geldings, one stallion and 2 mares. There is one 3YO, two 4YOs, two 5YOs, three 6YOs and two 7YOs. Eight runners had their last start in the Group 3 Belmont Sprint over 1400m at Belmont on 13 May while the other two came via the Tabtouch Stakes over 2100m at Ascot on 6 May. Two runners are sired by Playing God.

The early betting has favouritism shared between three-year-old Bustler and The Velvet Queen who quinellaed the Belmont Sprint. Third favourite is Dom To Shoot who was well supported in the betting last start but only finished 8th in the Belmont Sprint. Playing Marika finished 0.6 length 3rd in the Tabtouch Stakes, while Minsk Moment resumed for 7th in the Belmont Sprint. The other runners are currently $16 or more.

1. Dom To Shoot (5)

Came from last to win the Northam Stakes on 30 April with a great ride from William Pike,  then was well supported in the betting last start but only finished 8th in the Belmont Sprint. In the mix.

2. No Apology (9)

Was runner-up at 4 races in a row- all at Listed level, then just followed them around in the Belmont Sprint after changing trainers. Prefer to watch.

3. Startrade (7)

This 6YO ran 5th in The Joey second-up then was wide throughout when 4.5 lengths 9th in the Belmont Sprint. Place chance.

4. Minsk Moment (6)

Ran 7th in the Belmont Sprint when first-up from an 18 week spell. Won 2 of 3 races at Ascot at the end of last preparation after changing trainers from Chris Waller to Adam Durrant. Should be fitter second-up.

5. Kaptain Kaos (3)

Won this race last year.  He resumed from a 23 week spell for 12th in the Belmont Sprint and gets winkers on for the first time. Appears safely held.

6. Last Of The Line (10)

Runner-up at his last 2 starts. He was overhauled in the final stride in the Tabtouch Stakes over 2100m and might be suited back in distance. Drawn the outside barrier but a serious contender. Gets winkers on for the first time.

7. Notorious One (8)

Resumed from a 21 week spell for 0.8 length 4th in the Belmont Sprint. He has 5 wins and 2 places from 13 races at this track. Place chance.

8. Playing Marika (4)

One of 2 runners sired by Playing God in this race (the other is Bustler). She was a 2 length winner over 1800m at Ascot on 25 April then was 0.6 length 3rd over 2100m last start. Coming back in distance and can go well.

9. Bustler (1)

This Playing God 3YO has won 6 of his 10 starts and got there in the final stride for a narrow win in the Belmont Sprint. He’s a very talented youngster, and although a 3YO hasn’t won the Hyperion Stakes since 1995 I think Bustler is good enough to do it. My top pick.

10. The Velvet Queen (2)

This 4YO mare had a 13 week break after winning the Ascot Mile in February before being runner-up in the Belmont Sprint. She has never been out of a place on this track with 2 wins and 6 places from 8 starts here, and is always a danger.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
9 Bustler
10 The Velvet Queen
6 Last Of The Line
8 Flying Marika

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Startrade
2nd	1 Dom To Shoot	0.32 length
3rd	9 Bustler	0.91 length
4th	7 Notorious One	1.87 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 6. Last Of The Line, 10. The Velvet Queen.