Lex Piper Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 9 runners for the 2024 Lex Piper Stakes with 2 colts and 7 geldings. Four runners had their last start in the Listed WATC Challenge Stakes over 1500m at Ascot on 21st February (won by Russian To The Bar) and two in a 2& 3YO No Metro Wins Handicap over 1400m at Ascot on 21st February (won by Another Strike), while the other 3 came via different races. Two runners are sired by A Lot. Grant & Alana Williams have 2 runners.

The early favourite is A Lot Of Good Men who has placed at Group 2 level over 1600m. Second favourite is Russian To The Bar who has won all 3 starts this preparation, including the WA Challenge Stakes. Third favouritism is currently shared between Autumn Rebel who has won 4 of 8 starts this time in, and Cosmic Crusader who resumes from a 14 week spell. Royal Toronado was doing his best work late when 5th in the Challenge. The other runners are currently $16 or longer.

1. Russian To The Bar (2)

He has won all 3 starts this preparation, including the the Listed WATC Challenge Stakes over 1500m at Ascot on 21st February. Carries 1kg more than last start. Should fight out the finish.

2. A Lot Of Good Men (7)

One of 2 runners sired by A Lot (the other is Odinaka). This colt ran 2nd in the Group 2 WA Guineas over 1600m in November. Meets Russian To The Bar 2 kg better at the weights for being beaten by a length last time. The rise in distance should suit and he could turn the tables on the topweight.

3. Odinaka (9)

Two starts ago he won at this track and distance on 20th January. Has the outside barrier and this is tougher. Place chance only.

4. Autumn Rebel (8)

This colt has won 4 of 8 starts this time in as he works through the grades. One of the chances.

5. Cosmic Crusader (4)

Resumes from a 14 week spell and has 2 wins and a place from 6 starts. Won a recent Lark Hill trial. Don’t dismiss.

6. Royal Toronado (6)

Was doing his best work late when 5th in the WA Challenge Stakes when second-up from a spell. Not the worst.

7. Buckets Ridge (3)

Hasn’t shown much at his last 2 starts after resuming from a 20 week spell. Prefer others.

8. Pull The Trigger (5)

Still a maiden but has placed in 2 of his 3 starts. This looks too hard.

9. Mr Talentino (1)

Resumes after 17 weeks. He has only had 2 starts and placed over 1400m at Ascot at his 2nd start. Looking elsewhere.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Russian To The Bar
2 A Lot Of Good Men
4 Autumn Rebel
5 Cosmic Crusader

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Russian To The Bar
2nd	2 A Lot Of Good Men	0.47 length
3rd	3 Odinaka	0.64 length
4th	6 Royal Toronado	0.85 length

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 8. Pull The Trigger.