J.C. Roberts Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 16 three-year-olds and an emergency for the $125,000 J.C.Roberts Stakes and they are all geldings. Seven runners had their last start in the Listed Lex Piper Stakes over 1600m at Ascot on 25 February, three in a Class One Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 1 March and two in a Class One Handicap over 1800m at Ascot on 22 February. The rest all came via different races. Trainers Adam Durrant, Daniel Morton and Michael Grantham each have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Playhouse Patron who was 3rd in the Lex Piper and has been going well this preparation. Second favourite is Demolish who finished 2nd in the Lex Piper. Third favourite is Another Chino who won at this track and distance last outing. Planet Cash won over 1400m last start and was doing his best work at the end. All other runners are currently $14 or more.

1. Fly Away Home (3)

Hasn’t won or placed in 5 runs at Ascot. Seems unlikely.

2. Planet Cash (14)

Won over 1400m last start and was doing his best work at the end. Can figure in the finish.

3. Playhouse Patron (6)

Was 3rd in the Lex Piper running home from the back of the field and has been going well this preparation. One of the main chances.

4. Demolish (11)

Finished 2nd in the Lex Piper and should go well again.

5. Alaskalot (5)

Won over 1600m at Ascot last start and goes well at the track. In the mix.

6. Wozzeck (9)

Ran 4th in the Lex Piper. Not the worst.

7. Cruisey Roy (15)

Has struggled at his last 4 runs. Not here.

8. Another Chino (4)

Won at this track and distance last outing. Can figure in the finish here.

9. Lord Randolph (13)

Only beat one runner home in the Lex Piper. This looks too strong.

10. Travel Warning (8)

Resumed from a 10 week break for 8 lengths 9th over 1400m at Ascot. Looking elsewhere.

11. Special Sort (2)

Ran ninth last start at Ascot but is better than that. Sneaky place chance.

12. Ocean Avenue (10)

Still a maiden after 9 starts, Looks tested.

13. Big Red Hawk (1)

Nicely drawn and a genuine staying type. Chance.

14. Diamond Scene (17)

One win from 4 starts. Drawn the outside barrier. Prefer others.

15. Optimal (7)

Three places from 9 starts. This looks too hard.

16. Axeman’s Jazz (12)

A win and a place from 3 starts. Gets winkers on for the first time. Could show up.

17e. Arabian Dream (16)

Has only 2 starts and will find this very hard if he gets a run.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
3 Playhouse Patron
2 Planet Cash
8 Another Chino
4 Demolish