Leon Macdonald Stakes – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

Fourteen runners and an emergency have accepted for the 2023 Leon Macdonald Stakes with 10 geldings and 5 mares. There are two 4YOs, four 5YOs, three 6YOs, two 7YOs. three 8YOs and one 9YO. Five runners had their last start in the Group 3 Behemoth Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 12th August and two in a BM 82 Handicap over 1550m at Morphettville Parks on 15 July, while the rest all came through different races with 3 of them having their first run this preparation. Richard & Chantelle Jolly have 4 runners and Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea have 2 runners.

The early favourite is four-year-old mare See You In Heaven who won the Behemoth Stakes a fortnight ago. Second favourite is Seonee who comes off 3 wins in a row with the last 2 at Flemington. Third favourite is Savatoxl who is the only Group 1 winner in the race and finished 2nd in the Behemoth. Validated has won 5 of his 9 starts. The rest of the runners are currently $16 or more.

1. Savatoxl (14)

This 8YO is the only Group 1 winner in the race as he won the 2021 The Goodwood at this track and distance. He has also won at Group 2, Group 3 and Listed level. He has only had 5 starts in 2023 for a win at Alice Springs (where he began his career) and a win in the Group 3 D C McKay Stakes over 1100m here. At his latest start he led most of the way and controlled the race in front before being headed in the final 150m and finishing 2nd in the Behemoth Stakes. He goes well at this track and is a proven performer on soft going. Commands respect.

2. Ironclad (15)

One of 2 runners for Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea (the other is Silent Surrente). Resumed from a 21 week spell to finish 9th in the Behemoth where he was never in it. Drawn the outside barrier. Looking to others.

3. Calypso Reign (10)

Resumed from a spell to run 3.6 lengths 4th in the Behemoth. Place chance.

4. Regalo Di Gaetano (5)

One of 4 runners for Richard & Chantelle Jolly (the others are Pudding, Wild Imagination and See You In Heaven). He’s won 3 races at this track and resumes from a 14 week break here. Generally needs his first-up run. Prefer to watch.

5. Manhatten Times (3)

Finished 3rd in the Behemoth and has jockey Jason Holder who rode the winner of this race last year. Hasn’t won beyond 1200m but should run well.

6. Montign (1)

Drawn ideally in barrier 1 and has won 8 of his 18 starts. Resumed from a 35 week spell for 4.8 lengths 8th over 1100m at Morphettville on 29 July where he never threatened. Prefer to see.

7. Pudding (4)

One of the runners for Richard & Chantelle Jolly and goes well at this track. Back from a 10 week let-up and going for a hat-trick after wins at this track and Murray Bridge. Could surprise.

8. Oh Mo (8)

This 9YO ran 3rd in this race last year and is the oldest runner this year. Blinkers come off. Not the worst

9. Validated (7)

He has 5 wins from 9 starts and this is his first black-type race. He’s won at this track before and has 2 wins from 3 starts this campaagn. Comes off a win over 1400m at Murray Bridge 3 weeks ago and looks a genuine chance.

10. Pippali (6)

Finished 2.7 lengths 6th over 1410m at Flemington when resuming on 5 August and generally goes well second-up. Don’t dismiss.

11. Seonee (2)

She has won her last 3 starts in a row, with the latest being the Leilani Series Final over 1400m at Flemington on 1 July. Drawn well and looks a genuine chance.

12. Wild Imagination (11)

Winner of her last 2 starts with the latest a 0.4 length win over 1550m at Morphettville Parks on 15 July. Does her best over a mile but wouldn’t surprise to see her run well here.

13. Silent Surrente (12)

Finished 2nd over 1600m at Morphettville on a soft track last start. Not the worst.

14. See You In Heaven (9)

Classy winner of the Behemoth Stakes last start when resuming from a 25 week spell. She has raced at Group 3 level 6 times for 3 wins and 2 runner-ups. She won the Group 2 Sandown Guineas last November. Winning chance again.

15e. Splash Some Cash (13)

Hasn’t raced for 25 weeks after winning the Port Lincoln Cup over 1960m on 3 March. Emergency so probably won’t get a start. This looks too short.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
14 See You In Heaven
9 Validated
11 Seonee
1 Savatoxl

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Seonee
2nd	14 See You In Heaven	0.3 length
3rd	1 Savatoxl	0.5 length
4th	10 Pippali	1.9 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratching: 15e. Splash Some Cash.