La Trice Classic – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 11 runners for the $200,000 Mrs Mac’s La Trice Classic with 10 mares and one filly. There is one three-year-old, five four-year-olds, two five-year-olds, one six-year-old, one eight-year-old and one nine-year-old. Four runners had their last start in the Listed Starstruck Classic over 1600m at Ascot on 16th December (won by Rusty Dreams), two in a 4YO+ BM66+ Handicap over 2100m at Ascot on 23rd December (won by Ghobella) and two in a 3YO+ BM66+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 23rd December (won by Civvy Street), while the other 3 came via different races. Two runners are sired by Blackfriars and two by Universal Ruler.

The early favourite is Rusty Dreams who won the Starstruck Classic last start. Second favourite is Yonga Lass who ran 4th in that race. Third favourite is Ghobella who won over 2100m last start. Ihts Closing Inn was a disappointing 10th in the A.T.A Stakes. Megami finished 1.6 lengths 6th behind Civvy Street last start, while Forever Dreaming was runner-up in that race. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Jadavi (6)

This 9YO is the oldest runner this year. At her latest start she finished 6th in the Listed Starstruck Classic over 1600m at Ascot on 16th December. Prefer others.

2. Rusty Dreams (8)

Winner of the Starstruck Classic where she blundered near the 500m and became unbalanced, but was still good enough to win. She has a good record at Ascot and is one of the main chances.

3. Ihts Closing Inn (7)

Faded to finish 3.8 lengths 10th in the  Listed A.T.A. Stakes over 2200m at Ascot on 20th December. Drops back in distance here and capable of placing.

4. Ghobella (9)

Winner of a 4YO+ BM66+ Handicap over 2100m at Ascot on 23rd December. Should run well again.

5. Bandalera Miss (1)

Was wide throughout when 9th in the 4YO+ BM66+ Handicap won by Ghobella on 23rd December. Unlikely.

6. Megami (10)

Was 1.6 lengths 6th in a 3YO+ BM66+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 23rd December after being slowly away. Not the worst.

7. Forever Dreaming (4)

Was runner-up to Civvy Street in a 3YO+ BM66+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 23rd December. Has been in the trifecta at her last 6 starts and it wouldn’t surprise to see her in the finish.

8. Yonga Lass (11)

Has won 4 of her 6 races this preparation. Won 3 in a row before 4th in the Starstruck Classic. One of the chances.

9. Fine Touch (2)

Last home at her last 2 starts including the Starstruck Classic. Seems to have lost form.

10. Kia Ora Jewel (3)

Resumed from an 11 week let-up for 1.2 lengths 5th over 1500m at Ascot on 16th December. Could surprise.

11. Ecstasy Of Gold (5)

This 3YO is the youngest runner. She has won 2 of her 7 starts this campaign but may be ready for a spell as she’s finished well back at her last 2.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Rusty Dreams
4 Ghobella
8 Yonga Lass
7 Forever Dreaming

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	8 Yonga Lass
2nd	9 Fine Touch	0.29 length
3rd	7 Forever Dreaming	0.41 length
4th	6 Megami	3.33 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching:  4. Ghobella.