January Cup – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Good

A wide open market to contest this years edition. Military Mission comes up favourite, has the right running pattern and should land on the speed and prove hard to get past. Aleas loves racing on this track and has a very consistent record. It is drawn to do no work and should go close against these. Mission Phoenix is having an excellent prep and finds another winnable race, it just remains a query where it lands to with the speed map and Spirit Ridge goes in the mix after an improved effort last run. Chris Waller has a strong hand with Bonny Ezra, Aleas, Chalk Stream, She’s The Gift and Criminal Code.

1. Berdibek (7)

Around now is the time to be backing Berdibek as it sets to peak. Usually takes a handful of runs to find form, Tommy Berry does the steering from barrier 7 and if he can get a tow into the race at the right time it will be hard to hold out.

2. Spirit Ridge (10)

Spirit Ridge showed good improvement last start and seems to be back on track. The claim with Dylan Gibbons is a smart move, its best efforts is more than good enough to be winning this race.

3. Bonny Ezra (13)

2 solid efforts in a row prior to its last run where it was a little one paced. Where Bonny Ezra gets to from the wide draw remains a query but if it can replicate its effort from 2 or 3 starts back it can take this race out.

4. Grandslam (3)

Mixing form this prep but should get every chance from the kind draw. Keep an eye on the market for any moves, capable galloper when on song.

5. Aleas (1)

Like the chances of Aleas in this launching from the ideal draw. Good footing seems to be the key with this galloper and it should get the conditions to suit. Aleas won’t need to spend a penny in the run from barrier 1 and just needs to see daylight at the right time to be taking this out.

6. Chalk Stream (4)

Frustrating horse who has ability but tends to miss the jump quite often. Extremely over due for a win but has the kind of turn of foot to be wining a race like this. Hard to trust but a major player all the same.

7. First In Line (5)

Can’t have.

8. Outlandos (9)  – SCRATCHED

9. She’s The Gift (14)

Tries the 2000 for the first time but it looks like that should suit now. Has been around the mark this prep and Chris Waller runners always demand respect. Well placed here and dangerous with 53kgs.

10. Military Mission (8)

Military Mission is a tough operator that will land on speed and prove hard to get past. How much pressure and where it lands to in the run is vital for its chances. Has to be a major player in this field carrying just 53kgs.

11. Criminal Code (6)

Not in form. Prefer others.

12. Global Ausbred (2)

Forget last start, its prior form is very good for this. It maps kindly and Jay Ford does the steering, if the speed is on up front Global Ausbred can stalk the leaders and pounce at the right time.

13. Mission Phoenix (12)

Love the way Mission Phoenix is going this prep. It has been a model of consistency and only needs to hold its form to be going very close in this. The query is the wide draw and the speed map, where it lands to in running is crucial to its chances.

14. Lady Redwood (11)

This looks too tough.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
5 Aleas	1 Berdibek
13 Mission Phoenix	12 Global Ausbred
1 Berdibek	5 Aleas
3 Bonny Ezra	13 Mission Phoenix