National Sprint – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 12 runners for the $150,000 National Sprint with 9 geldings and 3 mares. There is one 4YO, three 5YOs, six 6YOs and two 7YOs. As usual the local runners are outnumbered with plenty of Sydney trainers bringing runners including Chris Waller, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Team Hawkes, Maher/Eustace and Jason Coyle. There are horses from Wagga, Kembla Grange, Wodonga and Goulburn (almost a local!) with Canberra trainer Keith Dryden who has won this race a few times having 2 runners this year, while Canberra trainer Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones have one runner. Barbara has won before as a sole trainer.

All the runners had their last start in different races. Three of them are first-up and only 6 of them have raced at the track before. Keith Dryden is the only trainer with two runners.

The early favourite is Vreneli who has been racing in good company in Sydney and has a trial win in the 29 days since he last raced. Second favourite is Cavalier Charles who has 6 wins from 17 starts and goes well at this track. Third favourite is Saigon who has placed at her last 2 starts in Sydney. Another One won the Ted Ryder Cup at Wagga last start. Superium has won at this distance. Handle the Truth won this race in 2021, while Super Helpful won the National Sprint Preview over 1200m at Canberra on 24 February. All other runners are currently $15 or more.

1. Superium (4)

Has won at this distance back in December, but hasn’t shown much at his last 2 runs. Rough place chance.

2. Handle The Truth (2)

Won this race in 2021. Resumed from a spell for 8 lengths last over 1100m at Rosehill after contacting another runner and being crowded. Goes well at his home track of Canberra and is an outside chance.

3. Vreneli (5)

Has been racing in good company in Sydney and has a trial win in the 29 days since he last raced. Solid claims.

4. Dream Runner (9)

Coming back from a 15 week break after running in longer races. Has 3 wins from 4 starts at Canberra. Place chance.

5. Cavalier Charles (7)

Has 6 wins from 17 starts and goes well at this track. In the mix.

6. Another One (3)

Won the Ted Ryder Cup over 1600m at Wagga last start on 23 December. Back from a let-up and this is best distance.

7. Narrated (6)

Resumes from a 21 week spell and this looks too hard first-up.

8. Saigon (11)

Has placed at her last 2 starts in Sydney. Should be competitive.

9. Super Helpful (8)

Won the National Sprint Preview over 1200m at Canberra on 24 February. Has 7 wins from 19 starts and could place here.

10. Banger (1)

Won over 1400m at Wagga last start. This is harder but has drawn barrier 1.

11. Takissacod (12)

Struggled in the 3 starts this preparation. Unlikely.

12. Bluff ‘N’ Bluster (10)

Ran 5th over 1400m at Warwick Farm last outing. Looks tested.

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