Maurice McCarten Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

A small but quality field takes battle and Rocketing By goes on top. Back to the 1100 looks the key for him. He was 1.8 lengths off Lofty Strike 2 runs back, 2.4 lengths off Private Eye the start prior and beat In The Congo the run before that. He is flying. The saver is Cannonball who has form around Giga Kick and will be very hard to beat on a dry track. Athelric hasn’t won fresh and looks short in the market while Coal Crusher should lead and give a sight. Quick Tempo looks a risk from barrier 1 but has stacks of ability and can win if the splits come its way.

1. Rocketing By (8)

Goes on top and looks hard to beat over this trip. Wasn’t far off Private Eye last prep and beat In The Congo. He was brilliant fresh running 1.8 lengths off Lofty Strike with Uncommon James in 2nd. A run like that here would go close to taking this out and he’s $26.00 at time of writing.

2. Athelric (5)

Quality gelding from the leading stable with the leading jockey aboard. Has the class and ability but the 0/5 fresh record turns me away. Keep an eye on the market as J-Mac on is a solid lead it may be ready to go fresh.

3. Coal Crusher (6)

He will run his honest race up on the speed and give a good sight. Chances enhanced if the track is suiting leaders. Hard to beat.

4. Shelby Sixtysix (7)

Won this race last year. Looks a 101-1 chance. Can’t have.

5. Clemenceau (9)

Has built a fine record in lesser races and has plenty of ability. The wide draw remains a query and this is a leap in depth. Can win but short enough.

6. Kalino (3)

Had a great last prep and gets in lightly here. Kind map and weighted well, should run well against these.

7. Quick Tempo (1)

One of the more unluckier horses in Australia due to his running pattern. Can absolutely win this with clean air but barrier 1 isn’t ideal for him. He will need a split along the rails to win. Capable but will need a gap.

8. Dalchini (4)

Can’t have.

9. Cannonball (9)

Goes on top with Rocketing By. A dry track is the key. Boasts a 1.6 length and 3.2 length loss to Giga Kick. Maps well, that form should hold here and does look awfully hard to beat with Prebble steering from the good barrier.

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