JRA Plate – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 11 runners for the 2024 JRA Plate with 5 geldings and 6 mares. There are three 4YOs, two 5YOs, one 6YO, four 7YOs and one 8YO. Three runners had their last start in an Open Handicap over 2050m at Strathalbyn on 2nd February (won by Second To Nun) while the rest all came through different races. Two runners are sired by Declaration of War. B, W & J Hayes and Matt Cumani both have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Arugamama who won 3 races in a row in South Australia before a close 3rd over 2000m at Flemington on 13th January. Second favourite is Second To Nun who has won 4 in a row with the latest a 1.3 length win over 2050m at Strathalbyn on 2nd February. Third favourite is  Independent Road who led all the way for a narrow win over 2040m at Moonee Valley last start. The Map comes off an 11 week let-up after racing over longer distances, while Tycoon Bec was a last-start winner over 2100m at Sandown Lakeside. All other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Hasta La War (8)

This 8YO is the oldest runner in the race this year and is one of 2 runners sired by Declaration Of War (the other is Independent Road). He resumes from a 14 week break but disappointed in all 4 runs last campaign. Prefer others.

2. Independent Road (3)

One of 2 runners for Ben, Will & JD Hayes (the other is Port Guillaume). He led all the way for a narrow win over 2040m at Moonee Valley last start on 27th January and has 3 wins from 5 starts this preparation. Hasn’t raced here before but looks to be a key player.

3. Port Guillaume (10)

Resumed from a 27 week spell for 6.4 lengths 5th over 1600m at Flemington where he battled on steadily. Not the worst.

4. The Map (7)

Comes off an 11 week let-up after racing over longer distances. Has 3 wins at this track. Place chance.

5. Second To Nun (2)

Has won 4 in a row with the latest a 1.3 length win over 2050m at Strathalbyn on 2nd February beating a couple of her rivals here.  This is her first black-type races and she is one of the main chances.

6. Tycoon Bec (9)

One of 2 runners for Matt Cumani (the other is Let Fly). She was a last-start winner over 2100m at Sandown Lakeside on 31st January but it was only a 5 horse field. Goes well at this distance range and could surprise.

7. Arugamama (4)

Won 3 races in a row in South Australia before a close 3rd over 2000m at Flemington on 13th January. One of the main hopes.

8. Let Fly (11)

Drawn the outside barrier and is yet to win beyond 1600m. Unlikely.

9. Shakespeare (6)

Came 3rd over 1800m at Morphettville on 27th January. Rough place chance.

10. Bonnie Gangster (1)

Drawn ideally. Finished 5.9 lengths 7th behind Second To Nun at Strathalbyn last start. Prefer others.

11. Tullaghan (5)

Finished 5.4 lengths 5th behind Second To Nun at Strathalbyn last start. Capable of placing.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Independent Road
5 Second To Nun
7 Arugamama
4 The Map

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 The Map
2nd	7 Arugamama	2 lengths
3rd	1 Hasta La War	2.7 lengths
4th	5 Second To Nun	2.9 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratching: 2. Independent Road, 3. Port Guillaume.