Lord Reims Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners for the $127,250 Lord Reims Stakes with 12 geldings and 2 mares. There are two 4YOs, four 6YOs, six 7YOs, one 8YO and one 9YO. Five runners had their last start in the Listed Premier’s Plate over 2019m at Morphettville on 11 February, two in a BM 72 Handicap over 2400m at Morphettville Parks on 4 February, two in a BM 68 Handicap over 2250m at Morphettville Parks on 18 February and the remaining 5 all came via different races. Trainer Matt Cumani has two runners.

The betting is very open this year. The early favourite is 4YO mare The Map who who has won 4 races from 1400m to 2500m. Second favourite is Grand Promenade who has won 4 races from 1400m to 2500m. Third favourite is Highland Jakk who is first up since running in the Melbourne up and has to carry 6 kg more than the other runners. Team Captain has been runner-up in his last 3 races, while Farooq has won her last 2 starts. The rest of the runners are currently over $14.

1. Grand Promenade (13)

One of only 2 runners to have won at 2600m or longer (the other is Team Captain). He finished 4th over 1800m at Sandown Hillside when resuming and clearly needed longer. From the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable and should be hard to beat.

2. Stafford’s Lad (5)

A good Perth horse who ran 2nd in the Group 2 Perth Cup over 2400m 2 starts back. Good enough to make his presence felt.

3. Farooq (12)

Won the Premier’s Plate last start. Likely to race on the speed but the distance is a query as he hasn’t won beyond 2100m.

4. Team Captain (14)

One of 2 runners for Matt Cumani. He is bred for staying and hasn’t started since 2nd in the Sandown Cup over 3200m on 26 November. Has the outside barrier and this is a big ask first-up but it wouldn’t surprise to see him place.

5. Sebonna (8)

Ran on from the tail of the field for 7th in the Premier’s Plate. Should get the distance but this looks too strong.

6. Stars Of Carrum (2)

This 7YO Fiorente gelding has only won one of his 36 starts, and that was 225 weeks ago. He places quite often though. He was eye-catching coming from the tail of the field for 4th in the Premier’s Plate and is a place chance.

7. Clever Man (7)

Finished 1.3 lengths 3rd in the Premier’s Plate and Ben Price retains the ride. Has placed at his last 5 races. Not the worst.

8. Highland Jakk (11)

Trained by Robert Hickmott who knows how to prepare a stayer. Chased hard to the line for 0.5 2nd over 2400m at Sandown Hillside last start and expected to be a contender.

9. Darlamax (4)

Won over 2400m at Morphettville Parks last start and has a great record at this track with 3 wins and a place from 4 starts. Rough hope.

10. Taramansour (10)

Ran a length 2nd behind Darlamax last start. Looking elsewhere.

11. Smiling Assassin (1)

Has drawn barrier 1 but hasn’t beaten many home for his last few starts. Prefer others.

12. Wolf Prince (6)

Has won up to 2250m but this looks too hard.

13. Aberlady (9)

This 9YO mare is the oldest runner this year.This is her first attempt at Group level. Appears safely held.

14. The Map (3)

Finished 5th in the Premier’s Plate and only has 53kg to carry. Has claims.

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

Jo’s Tips
1 Grand Promenade
14 The Map
8 Highland Jakk
3 Farooq