Track: Soft 5 Weather: Fine

Following the early scratchings of Deepour and Iowna Merc there are 13 runners remaining for the 2024 The Star Moreton Cup. There are 10 geldings, one stallion and 2 mares, with five 4YOs, five 5YOs, two 6YOs and an 8YO. Three of them had their last start in the Listed Ortensia Stakes over 1100m at Scone on 18th May (won by Opal Ridge), two in the Group 3 BRC Sprint over 1350m at Doomben on 25th May (won by Here To Shock) and two in the Listed Chief De Beers over 1110m at Doomben on 25th May (won by Golden Boom), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by I Am Invincible. Tony Gollan has 3 runners and Joseph Pride has 2.

The early betting is quite open with all runners currently over $4. Early favourite is the James Cummings trained Vilana who was ridden too far back when 6th in the BRC Sprint last start. Second favourite is Opal Ridge who resumed for a win in the Ortenia Stakes at the Scone carnival. Third favourite is Mazu who was 3 lengths 7th in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 and won his only previous start at Eagle Farm. All That Pizzazz has placed at both starts this campaign. Insurrection finished 1.7th lengths behind Opal Ridge at Scone. The Big Goodbye came 2nd in the Chief De Beers, while Zarastro ran 4th in that race. All other runners are over $20.

1. Jigsaw (13)

Ran 3rd over 1000m at Caulfield last start and is having his first run at the track. Place chance.

2. Mazu (10)

Was 3 lengths 7th in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 and won his only previous start at Eagle Farm. Gets blinkers on and Jamie Kah. Chance.

3. Vilana (3)

Was ridden too far back when 6th in the Group 3 BRC Sprint over 1350m at Doomben on 25th May last start.One of the main chances.

4. The Big Goodbye (4)

Came 2nd in the Listed Chief De Beers over 1110m at Doomben on 25th May (won by Golden Boom) and has a good record at this track. It would be no surprise to see him in the finish.

5. All That Pizzazz (5)

Has placed at both starts this campaign and has a great record at the track.Strong chance.

6. Zarastro (15)

Ran 4th in the Chief De Beers. Has won 4 of 5 at this track but the widest barrier won’t help.

7. Rocketing By (6)

Not keen.

8. Insurrection (1)

Finished 1.7th lengths in the Listed Ortensia Stakes over 1100m at Scone on 18th May (won by Opal Ridge). Nicely drawn and should improve second-up.

9. At Witz End (14)

Finished 3rd in the Chief De Beers. Not the worst.

10. What You Need (12)

Ran 2.7 lengths 7th in the Group 1 The Goodwood last start. Drawn wide but is still a place chance.

11. Nettuno (7)

Has struggled at both runs this preparation. Prefer others.

12. Deepour (2)

Scratched

13. Iowna Merc (9)

Scratched

14. Lekvarte (11)

Resumes from a 13 week spelland generally goes well first-up. Rough chance.

15. Opal Ridge (8)

Resumed for a win in the Ortenia Stakes at the Scone carnival. Serious contender.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 All That Pizzazz
15 Opal Ridge
3 Vilana
4 The Big Goodbye

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Vilana
2nd	2 Mazu	3.67 lengths
3rd	1 Jigsaw	3.77 lengths
4th	5 All That Pizzazz	3.79 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 12. Deepour, 13. Iowna Merc