Matron Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

The scratching of Toregene leaves a field of ten for the Group 2 Matron Stakes.  There are two key lead ups for this race, the Mannerism which was run at Sandown over 1400m two weeks ago and the Tressady which was run here three weeks ago.  Barb Raider was fifth in the Mannerism and comes up favourite from Inspirational Girl who is resuming from a spell for new trainer John Leek Jnr.

1. El Patroness

Won the ATC Oaks on very heavy ground last April.  Resumed here over 1400m three weeks ago against the older horses finishing 7.7 lengths of Annavisto.  Think she is looking for softer ground and more distance.

2. Inspirational Girl

The 202o Railway winner resumes for the new camp.  She was very good in the Turnbull Stakes here last prep which has to read well for this and I love that they have given her three solid jump outs.  Maps to get her chance from barrier 7.

3. Barb Raider

Has been met with strong market support early and I suspect the key reason for that is she gets back to Flemington where she has three wins from her four starts.  Should lead or sit outside lead.

4. Excelida

Quality mare who was third in the Empire Rose this track and distance last prep.  She closed off well for third after getting way too far back here last start.  Like the booking of Zahra.  Very solid each way chance.

5. Sirileo Miss

Was holding her ground first up through the line in the Tressady.  Jumped out well prior and has a very good second up record.  1600m suits.

6. Elusive Express

Gets blinkers for the first time.  She worked to the line solidly first up in the Tressady and I can see Blake Shinn giving her a gun steer from barrier 3.  Certainly not hopeless.

7. Toregene  – SCRATCHED

8. So You See

Has really mixed her form at her last four with two wins and two shockers.  Not sure what to make of her.  Risking.

9. Forbidden City

Was blocked for a run back to the inside in the Mannerism before easing off heels and working home strongly into third.  Gets a big jockey change here but probably has to go back to last from the gate which doesn’t make it easy.

10. No Secret

I can’t have her up in grade off two Moonee Valley wins.

11. Pharoah’s Reign

Has been contesting benchmark races in NSW.  That form has proven to be potent at times this Autumn but I’d be surprised if it holds up in this.

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