John Letts Cup - 2023 - Back A Winner

2023 John Letts Cup Race Details

Race 9 at Morphettville Racecourse on Saturday 4th November 2023.

The John Letts Cup is a Listed race held at Morphettville racecourse over 1800 metres. It is for three-year-olds and upwards and is run under set weights plus penalties conditions. The total prizemoney is $120,000 this year.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the John Letts Cup page.

John Letts Cup 2023 Preview

Track: Good Weather: Fine

A field of 12 runners have accepted for the 2023 John Letts Cup with 8 geldings and 4 mares. There are three 4YOs, four 5YOs, three 6YOs and two 7YOs. Four runners had their last start in a BM 86 Handicap over 1800m at Morphettville on 21st October won by Pudding, while the rest all came through different races. Two runners are sired by So You Think, two by All Too Hard and two by Fiorente. Richard & Chantelle Jolly and Andrew Gluyas both have 2 runners.

The early betting market is wide open with three runners vying for favouritism. Arran Bay ran 5th in the Group 3 Coongy Cup last start, Pudding won at this track and distance on 21st October beating several of the other runners, while Party Princess raced 3 wide before 6th in the Group 3 Ladies Day Vase.

2023 John Letts Cup Runner by Runner

1. Morty (8)

He won this race last year. Last start he came from the back of the field and finished strongly to finish midfield at this track and distance on 21st October. His lead-up form is not as good as last year and he looks safely held.

2. Not Usual Glorious (10)

One of 2 runners sired by Fiorente (the others is Silent Surrente). He faded in the straight at his latest start to finish 6th in the Gawler Cup over 1500m on 27th October. Does go well at Morphettville. Place chance.

3. Captain Envious (5)

Won the Murtoa Cup on 7th October then was 3rd in the Horsham Cup on 22nd October. Has 4 wins and 4 places from his 13 starts. Chance.

4. Arran Bay (9)

One of 2 runners sired by All Too Hard (the other is Montepulciano). He ran 2nd in the Benalla Cup on 29th September, then finished 5th in the Group 3 Coongy Cup over 2000m at Caulfield on 18th October. Should go well.

5. Pudding (1)

One of 2 runners trained by Richard & Chantelle Jolly (the other is Montepulciano). Won at this track and distance on 21st October beating several of the other runners in this race. Has drawn the inside barrier and Jake Toeroek sticks. Should fight out the finish.

6. Montepulciano (2)

He ran 4th behind Pudding last start after being slowly away and was in the quinella for all 6 starts before that. He has placed 3 times from 6 attempts at this distance and is a place hope again.

7. Excelman (7)

Ran 3rd behhind Pudding last start. Not the worst.

8. Watadeel (3)

Has been racing in Melbourne so it’s hard to line his form up against the locals. Hasn’t won beyond 1600m but his breeding suggests the distance will be no issue. In the mix.

9. Thought Provoking (12)

One of 2 runners sired by So You Think (the other is Party Princess). She’s finished in the back half of the field at both starts this campaign, but should be fitter now and won the Listed Centaurea Stakes at her only previous start at this track. Respect.

10. Party Princess (6)

One of 2 runners trained by Andrew Gluyas (the other is Arugamama). She raced 3 wide before 6th in the Group 3 Ladies Day Vase at Caulfield last start and has had success at this track before. Solid claims.

11. Silent Surrente (11)

She led all the way to win over 2006m at Morphettville last start and has 2 wins and 2 places from 5 starts here. She has won 5 of her 15 starts. Serious player.