Track: Soft   Weather: Showers

There are 15 runners for the 2024 PKF Perth Hyperion Stakes with 13 geldings and 2 mares. There are five 5YOs, four 6YOS, five 7YOs and two 8YOs. Eleven of them had their last start in the Group 3 Belmont Sprint over 1400m at Belmont on 18^th May (won by Western Empire) and 2 in a $100,000 3YO+ BM 84+ Handicap over 2100m at Ascot on 11^th May (won by Ghobella), while the other two came via different races. Two runners are sired by Playing God and two by Gingerbread Man. Grant & Alana Williams have 3 runners and Daniel & Ben Pearce, Lou Luciani and Stephen Miller each have 2 runners.

The short-priced early favourite is Western Empire who won the Northam Stakes then the Belmont Sprint at his last 2 starts. Second favourite is Searchin Roc’s who was a very close runner-up in the Belmont Sprint. Third favourite is Magnificent Andy who was 3^rd in that race. Valour Road resumed for 8^th in the Belmont Sprint, Marocchino was wide throughout and ran 12^th, Casino Seventeen ran a close 3^rd to Ghobella on 11^th May, while Comfort Me ran 4^th in the Belmont Sprint. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Western Empire (7)

Won the Group 3 Northam Stakes over 1300m at Northam by 2.5 lengths on 5th May, then won the Group 3 Belmont Sprint over 1400m at Belmont on 18^th May . Looks the major hope.

2. Valour Road (3)

Resumed for 8^th in the Belmont Sprint,

3. Red Can Man (4)

Finished 2nd in this race in 2022. Ran 3rd in the Northam Stakes last start and goes well at this track. Place chance.

4. Marocchino (9)

Hasn’t raced since 9th March and can go well fresh. He’s won 14 of his 55 starts and you should never write him off.

5. Comfort Me (14)

Playing God gelding who loves this track. Was 6th in the Northam Stakes and can place.

6. Casino Seventeen (6)

Finished 5th in the Northam Stakes. Won  his only previous start at this track. Place chance.

7. Triple Missile (10)

Finished 5th in the Northam Stakes. Won  his only previous start at this track. Place chance.

8. Startrade (8)

Won this race last year.

9. Let’s Galahvant (2)

Hasn’t showed anything in his 2 starts this preparation but is capable of rapid improvement. Nicely drawn and a sneaky place chance.

10. Magnificent Andy (5)

Finished 4th in the Northam Stakes after winning The Joey. Came through the pack from 12th last start and is one of the main chances.

11. Last Of The Line (12)

Resumed from a 20 week break for 3.8 lengths 12th in The Joey, and has won a trial since then. He has super form at this track (6 wins and 3 places from 11 starts) and expect a bold showing.

12. Ginger Baker (15)

Out to a more suitable distance after 2 runs this campaign, and returns to his favourite track. Wouldn’t surprise to see him in the first few home.

13. Mojo Rhythm (13)

Quality mare who hasn’t raced since 6th in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 9th December. Her career record is 9 wins and 5 places from 15 starts. Should be in the finish.

14. Searchin’ Roc’s (1)

Was a very close runner-up in the Belmont Sprint and the start before finished 2.8 lengths 9th in The Joey where she raced wide with no cover and had a torrid run. Nicely drawn here and is in the mix.

15. The Velvet Queen (10)

Finished 2nd in this race last year. Didn’t run better than 5th in 4 runs last campaign, so prefer to see.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Western Empire
10 Magnificent Andy
12 Ginger Baker
14 Searchin’ Roc’s

Result length	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Magnificent Andy
2nd	9 Let’s Galahvant	0.19 length
3rd	14 Searchin’ Roc’s	0.25 length
4th	1 Western Empire	0.69 length

The track was rated as Soft 5.

There were no scratchings.