Idyllic Prince Stakes – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are 9 runners for the Idyllic Prince Stakes this year. There are 8 geldings and one mare with one 5YO, one 6YO, two 7YOs, four 8YOs and one 10YO. Four runners had their last start in the Listed Belmont Newmarket over 1200m at Belmont on 12 August,  while the rest came via different races. Trainers Simon A. Miller and Chris & Michael Gangemi have 2 runners each.

The early favourite is Phanta who won the Belmont Newmarket last start making it 2 wins from 2 starts this campaign. Second favourite is Valour Road who hasn’t raced for 65 weeks but has been trialling well. Third favourite is Nerodio who ran 2nd in this race last year and finished 4th in the Belmont Newmarket. Comes A Time chased gamely for a close 2nd in the Belmont Newmarket. The other runners are currently $12 or longer.

1. Valour Road  (5)

One of 2 runners for Simon A Miller (the other is Ginger Flyer). This 8YO hasn’t raced for 65 weeks but has been trialling well. Goes well at this track and if he’s fit he can give this a shake.

2. Neufbosc (9)

Resumes after 20 weeks and generally needs a couple of runs to show his best. Is better over more distance.

3. Western Temple (3)

He is 10 years old, and was disappointing when last in the Belmont Newmarket. Hasn’t won in 19 outings to this track. Looking to others.

4. Nerodio (1)

This 8YO Playing God gelding ran 2nd in this race last year and finished 4th in the Belmont Newmarket 2 weeks ago. He has won 11 of his 34 starts and all his wins have been at this track. Drawn the inside barrier. In the mix.

5. Comes A Time (7)

Chased gamely for a close 2nd in the Belmont Newmarket at big odds. Relishes soft going and should run well again.

6. Samizdat (2)

One of 2 runners for Chris & Michael Gangemi (the other is Phanta). He finished 3rd in this race back in 2021. Resumes from a 31 week spell and has a good first-up record.

7. Phanta (4)

Won the Belmont Newmarket last start after leading all the way to win the H.G. Bolton Sprint when resuming from a spell. Racing really well and looks capable of winning again.

8. Let’s Galahvant (6)

Chased hard to finish 0.3 length 2nd over 1400m at Belmont on 5 August. Goes well here and is capable of getting in the money.

9. Ginger Flyer (8)

The only mare in the race. Led most of the way before being overhauled in the final 100m over 1600m at Belmont on 19 August. On a seven day back-up and the drop in distance looks ideal. Can run a cheeky race.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 Phanta
1 Valour Road
5 Comes A Time
9 Ginger Flyer

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Valour Road
2nd	4 Nerodio	0.47 length
3rd	7 Phanta	0.92 length
4th	9 Ginger Flyer	4.07 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 6. Samizdat.