J.C. Roberts Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 15 runners for the 2024 Schweppes J.C. Roberts Stakes with 2 colts and 13 geldings. Four of them had their last start in the Listed Lex Piper Stakes over 1600m at Ascot on 2nd March (won by Russian To The Bar) and three in a 2YO+ rest. 1 Metro Win Handicap over 1800m at Ascot on 2nd March (won by Icebergs), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Playing God, two by Maschino, two by Awesome Rock and two by Bondi. Trainer Daniel Morton has two runners.

The early favourite is A Lot Of Good Men who ran 2nd in the Lex Piper and meets the winner better at the weights. Second favourite is Russian To The Bar who has won all 4 starts this preparation including the Lex Piper but gets more weight here. Third favourite is Buckets Ridge who came from last for a length 5th in the Lex Piper with a strong run. Our Rocky Bay has won his last 2 starts. Lord Vampi won over 1400m last start, while Autumn Rebel was 6th in the Lex Piper but has won at this distance. The other runners are currently $15 or longer.

1. Russian To The Bar (3)

He has won all 4 starts this preparation including the Listed Lex Piper Stakes over 1600m at Ascot on 2nd March and the Listed WATC Challenge Stakes over 1500m at Ascot on 21st February but gets more weight here. Major contender.

2. A Lot Of Good Men (5)

Ran 2nd in the Lex Piper and meets the winner 1 kg better at the weights. This colt ran 2nd in the Group 2 WA Guineas over 1600m in November. Could turn the tables on the topweight and should fight out the finish

3. Autumn Rebel (9)

Was 6th in the Lex Piper but has won at this distance and has won 4 of his 9 starts this preparation. Don’t dismiss.

4. Lord Vampi (14)

Won over 1400m at Ascot last start after runner-up the start before when resuming from a spell. A lightly-raced Playing God gelding who has scope for improvement but the wide barrier is no help.

5. Icebergs (13)

Won a 2YO+ rest. 1 Metro Win Handicap over 1800m at Ascot on 2nd March after being held up on straightening and has 3 wins from 5 starts. Chance.

6. Alaskan (6)

Won 2 in a row then only beat one runner home when 12th behind Icebergs last start. May need a break.

7. Eliteone (1)

Has finished well back in all 3 starts this preparation. This looks too hard.

8. Our Rocky Bay (7)

He has won his last 2 starts with the latest a 1.3 length win over 1600m at Ascot. Winning chance.

9. In Good Order (10)

Kept coming gamely from well back to finish 0.8 length 4th behind Icebergs on 2nd March. Could surprise.

10. Buckets Ridge (4)

Came from last for a length 5th in the Lex Piper with a strong run. Will probably like this distance.

11. Another Strike (11)

Ran on strongly to just miss over 1600m at Pinjarra on 7th March. Wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

12. Seven Iron (8)

This looks too hard.

13. Macciateau (15)

Drawn the outside barrier. Prefer others.

14. Grand Reserve (12)

Last start winner to break his maiden at this track and distance. This is much harder.

15. Beach Pad (2)

Put in a huge last to first performance to win over 1412m at Pinjarra at his only start. Watch the market.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Russian To The Bar
2 A Lot Of Good Men
8 Our Rocky Bay
11 Another Strike

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Lord Vampi
2nd	6 Alaskan	1.06 lengths
3rd	12 Seven Iron	1.35 lengths
4th	2 A Lot Of Good Men	2.02 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 3. Autumn Rebel, 11. Another Strike, 13. Macciateau.