Melvista Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratching of Why Me, 14 runners remain for the 2024 Melvista Stakes with 2 colts and 12 geldings. Eight of them had their last start in the Listed J.C. Roberts Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 16th March (won by Lord Vampi) while the rest came via different races. Three runners are sired by Awesome Rock and two by Playing God. Trainers Daniel & Ben Pearce and Grant & Alana Williams both have 2 runners.

The early betting is quite open with the top 3 in the markets quite close to each other. The early favourite is Alaskan who ran 2nd in the J.C. Roberts and meets the winner better at the weights. Second favourite is Lord Vampi who won the J.C. Roberts and is going for a hat-trick here. Third favourite is A Lot Of Good Men who finished well when 4th last start. In Good Order came from last for 5th in the Roberts. Buckets Ridge has been unplaced at all 4 runs this preparation but gets William Pike on this time, while Autumn Rebel is on a 6 day back-up. The other runners are currently $15 or longer.

1. Lord Vampi (9)

Won the J.C. Roberts Stakes last start and is going for a hat-trick here after winning over 1400m at Ascot  the start before. This lightly-raced Playing God gelding has only missed the quinella once in 6 starts. He carries 1 kg more than last start but should be in the finish.

2. A Lot Of Good Men (2)

This colt over-raced early in the Roberts, but finished well to run 4th. He ran 2nd in the Listed Lex Piper Stakes the start before, and ran 2nd in the Group 2 WA Guineas over 1600m in November. Should run well again.

3. Autumn Rebel (11)

Put together 3 wins in a row in December/January as he worked through the grades. Last start he finished 2.4 lengths 6th over 1600m at Ascot on 23rd March where he made some ground late, and is on a 6 day back-up. Place chance.

4. Alaskan (8)

Ran 2nd in the J.C. Roberts and meets the winner 1 kg better at the weights. He was caught wide without cover for a lot of the last race, making it a huge effort. Well placed.

5. Our Rocky Bay (3)

He won 2 races in a row over 1400m then 1600m at Ascot before leading and tiring late to finish 6th in the Roberts. The likely leader and could be hard to catch.

6. Royal Toronado (6)

Last start he ran at the back of the field to the turn and then made some ground to finish 3.9 lengths 6th of 11 in a 2YO+ Benchmark 66+ handicap over 1600m at Ascot. Place chance.

7. Why Me (1)  – scratched

8. In Good Order (7)

Came from last for 2.1 lengths 5th in the Roberts with good closing sectionals. Looks as if he will handle the distance and can be in the finish.

9. Another Strike (13)

He’s had 5 starts this preparation for one win and four 2nds. He ran on strongly to just miss over 1600m at Pinjarra on 7th March then was outbobbed in the final stride over 1600m at Belmont on 20th March after the jockey dropped the whip. In the mix.

10. Seven Iron (12)

Always runs an honest race. Finished 3rd in the Roberts last start. Not the worst.

11. Buckets Ridge (14)

Last preparation he won both his starts but has has been unplaced at all 4 runs this preparation. Gets William Pike on this time. Sneaky chance.

12. Macciateau (4)

He’s won his last 2 starts at Pinjarra and Belmont. Both times he came from well back in the field to get there at the post. Has potential and is better than his current $41 price suggests. Worth an each way bet.

13. Decoration (5)

Stepped up to 1900m last start and finished 2nd at Albany on 16th March. That was a good effort but this is much harder.

14. Rocking Society (15)

Drawn the outside barrier. He is the only runner to have won over 2000m or longer, breaking his maiden over 2000m at Pinjarra by 4 lengths on 14th March. Not the worst.

15e. Beach Pad (10)

Put in a huge last to first performance to win over 1412m at Pinjarra on debut, then made some ground for 4 lengths 8th in the J.C. Roberts at only his 2nd start. Prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Lord Vampi
4 Alaskan
8 In Good Order
12 Macciateau

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Buckets Ridge
2nd	2 A Lot Of Good Men	1.58 lengths
3rd	8 In Good Order	2.31 lengths
4th	4 Alaskan	2.36 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 7. Why Me, 9. Another Strike.