Luckygray Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the 2023 Luckygray Stakes, with 10 geldings and 3 mares. There are two 4YOs, three 5YOs, three 6YOs, two 7YOs, one 8YO and two 9YOs. Six runners had their last start in the Listed Northam Cup over 1600m at Northam on 29th October, while the rest came via different races. One is resuming. Grant & Alana Williams have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Casino Seventeen who resumed from a 30 week spell to run 3rd in the Northam Cup. Second favourite is Pompey who led into the straight but was run down for 2nd in the Northam Cup. Third favourite is Another Chino who finished 5th. Queen Alina resumed for 2.1 lengths 6th over 1400m at Ascot on 28th October, while River Rubicon finished 5th in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 4th November. The other runners are currently $11 or longer.

1. Casino Seventeen (1)

Resumed from a 30 week spell to run 3rd in the Listed Northam Cup over 1600m at Northam on 29th October. Can improve second-up and has the inside draw and William Pike. One of the main chances.

2. Playing Marika (10)

Ran 3rd in this race in 2021. She was held up to the 150m and finished 3 lengths 7th in the Northam Cup. Will have benefited from that run and should improve.

3. No Apology (3)

Finished 8th in the Northam Cup when first-up. Place chance.

4. River Rubicon (13)

On a 7 day back-up after he finished 5th in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 4th November. Unknown at the distance but should run well.

5. Truly Inspired (2)

Hasn’t raced for 43 weeks and although he has trialled he normally needs his first-up run.

6. Another Chino (11)

Finished 5th in the Northam Cup with good closing splits. Has won twice at this distance and can make his presence felt. Sneaky chance

7. Atlantis Beach (8)

Having his first race in Listed company. Prefer others.

8. Bad Wolf (12)

He has been runner-up in this race in 2021 and 2022. Has won 2 of his last 3 starts with the latest a 0.2 length win over 2200m at Ascot on 28th October. Should be competitive.

9. Be Optimistic (9)

Forged to the line for a narrow win in the Listed Kalgoorlie Cup over 2300m on 7th October. In the mix.

10. Blazing Away (4)

Hasn’t shown much in 3 runs this preparation. Looking to others.

11. Neufbosc (7)

This 9YO has been unplaced in all 5 runs this preparation but could improve getting out to a more suitable journey for him.

12. Pompey (5)

He led into the straight but was run down for 2nd in the Northam Cup. Has won 4 from 8 this campaign and is one of the main chances.

13. Queen Alina (6)

Resumed for 2.1 lengths 6th over 1400m at Ascot on 28th October where she came from the back of the field. This is a more suitable distance and she should go well.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
12 Pompey
1 Casino Seventeen
6 Another Chino
13 Queen Alina

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Another Chino
2nd	12 Pompey	0.21 length
3rd	13 Queen Alina	0.52 length
4th	1 Casino Seventeen	0.83 length

The track was rated as  Good 4.

here were no scratchings.