Track: Good 4 Weather: Cloudy

There are 15 runners for the 2024 Luckygray Stakes, with 13 geldings and 2 mares. There are two 4YOs, four 5YOs, four 6YOs, four 7YOs and one 9YO. Ten runners had their last start in the Listed Northam Cup over 1600m at Northam on 27th October (won by Buckets Ridge) and two in the Listed Kalgoorlie Cup over 2300m on 5th October (won by Starry Heights) while the other 3 came via different races. Two runners are sired by Playing God and two by Blackfriars. Daniel Morton, Michael Grantham and Grant & Alana Williams all have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Buckets Ridge who was a half length winner of the Northam Cup. Second favourite is Diamond Scene who has had 2 starts this preparation for a win at Ascot then 3.4 lengths 7th in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes last Saturday. Third favourite is In Good Order who ran a length 3rd in the Northam Cup. Starry Heights was a 1.3 length winner of the Kalgoorlie Cup last outing. The other runners are currently $10 or longer, including 2023 winner Another Chino.

1. Be Optimistic (13)

One of 2 runners sired by Blackfriars (the other is Baramagic). Resumed for 12th in the Listed Northam Cup over 1600m at Northam on 27th October. Prefer others.​

2. Starry Heights (3)

Was a 1.3 length winner of the Listed Kalgoorlie Cup over 2300m on 5th October after a 4 length win in the Listed Boulder Cup over 2116m at Kalgoorlie. Has won 2 from 4 at Ascot and is one of the chances.​

3. Buckets Ridge (11)

Chasing a hat-trick – was a half length winner of the Northam Cup beating the majority of this field last start, and won over 1650m at Belmont the start before. Has 5 wins from 13 starts and has won up to 2200m. Looks the goods.

4. Currimundi (4)

Ran on strongly from the back half of the field to be runner-up in the Northam Cup after 3 fairly ordinary runs. Now he’s found form he can run well again. Can get into the finish.

5. Blazing Away (2)

Only beat one runner home in the Northam Cup after being a surprise early leader. Looking to others.

6. Holy Enchantment (12)

Finished 8th in the Northam Cup. Not the worst.

7. Another Chino (6)

Won this race last year. Drops back to his favourite distance after 7th in the Kalgoorlie Cup. Can surprise.

8. Baramagic (1)

Has drawn the inside barrier but prefer others.

9. Diamond Scene (5)

He’s had 2 starts this preparation for a win at Ascot then 3.4 lengths 7th in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes last Saturday. Has won 5 of 11 starts here and should be in the finish.​

10. Fat Roy Slim (7)

Won 5 in a row at the end of last campaign then resumed for 11th in the Northam Cup but normally needs his first-up run. Don’t dismiss.

11. Frigid (15)

Drawn the outside barrier but she has the speed to overcome that. Won her only start over this distance. Place chance.

12. In Good Order (14)

Ran a length 3rd in the Northam Cup and has 2 wins and 3 places from 5 starts this campaign. One of the main chances.

13. Kaptain Kaos (9)

Has never won beyond 1600m and hasn’t won for over 2 years. Unlikely.

14. Red Sun Sensation (10)

Finished 5th in the Northam Cup when second-up and generally improves third-up. Could place.

15. Sentimental Hero (8)

Ran on strongly for 4th in the Northam Cup. Can get into the money.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
3 Buckets Ridge
9 Diamond Scene
12 In Good Order
2 Starry Heights

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	9 Diamond Scene
2nd	15 Sentimental Hero	0.66 length
3rd	14 Red Sun Sensation	1.72 lengths
4th	4 Currimundi	2.7 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.