Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners for the 2024 Matrice Stakes with 7 geldings and 7 mares. There are seven 4YOs, three 5YOs, two 6YOs, one 7YO and one 8YO. Two runners had their last start in the Listed Abell Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 1st March (won by Indian Pacific) and two in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 24th February (won by Snapped), while the rest came via different races. Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea have 3 runners and Richard & Chantelle Jolly have 2.

The early favourite is Nunthorpe who resumed from an 18 week spell for a close 2nd in the Abell Stakes. Second favourite is Grey River who weakened in the straight first-up for 7th in the Listed Manihi Stakes. Third favourite is Party Princess who returned to hit the line nicely in the City Of Marion Stakes. Boognish resumed after 23 weeks with a 2 length win over 1050m at Morphettville, while Climbing Star resumes after 19 weeks and goes well fresh. All other runner are currently $11 or longer.

1. Ironclad (9)

Won this race in 2022, and at 8YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. He is one of 3 runners for Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea (the others are Ballon D’or and Boognish) and hasn’t started for 23 weeks. At the end of last campaign he won the Listed Balaklava Cup over 1600m then ran last in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap where he pulled up lame and had excuses. Not the worst.

2. Pudding (12)

Resuming from a 20 week spell. Finished last campaign with 2 wins including the Listed John Letts Cup over 1800m. Place chance.

3. Rolls (8)

First-up after 35 weeks. Prefer to see.

4. Ocean Beyond (6)

Finished 10th of 12th in the Listed Abell Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 1st March. Has only beat a couple home in his first 2 starts this campaign and the blinkers go back on. Prefer others.

5. Rubamos (10)

Hasn’t raced since 27th January and is having his first start for trainers Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor. In the mix.

6. Grinzinger Prince (1)

Runner-up in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 24th February. Perfectly drawn and is one of the chances here.

7. Shaquero (3)

Hasn’t fired in 3 runs this time in. Looking to others.

8. Grey River (14)

Weakened in the straight first-up for 7th in the Listed Manihi Stakes. She has the speed to overcome the widest barrier and is capable of getting into the money.

9. Party Princess (5)

Returned to hit the line nicely in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 24th February and is generally strong second-up. Don’t dismiss.

10. Nunthorpe (7)

Resumed from an 18 week spell for a close 2nd in the Listed Abell Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 1st March. That was a great return and she is unbeaten second-up. Top chance.

11. Climbing Star (13)

First-up from a 19 week spell and placed at Caulfield when first-up last campaign. Chance.

12. Prairie Flower (11)

Last-start winner at this track and distance but this is much tougher. Not keen.

13. Ballon D’or (4)

Won by 2 lengths over 1200m at Murray Bridge last outing. This is much harder but she is flying this preparation with 2 wins and a runner-up. Would not surprise to see her in the finish.

14. Boognish (2)

Resumed after 23 weeks with a 2 length win over 1050m at Morphettville. Drawn to do no work and is in with a chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
10 Nunthorpe
9 Party Princess
6 Grinzinger Prince
14 Boognish

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Climbing Star
2nd	9 Party Princess	2.7 lengths
3rd	14 Boognish	2.8 lengths
4th	8 GreyRiver	3.4 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 4. Ocean Beyond.