Naturalism Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

A field of twenty including four emergencies have accepted for the $200,000 Naturalism Stakes.  It is a wide open betting market with the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace Floating Artist the early favourite.  Goldman has been well backed and is on the next line of betting with Berkeley Square who looks set to peak fourth up with the blinkers going on for the first time.

1. Hezashocka

Got back and worked home really nicely in the Heatherlie.  Form last prep is strong.  What they do from barrier 20 is the big question?  If they were to head forward and he gets across with out doing too much work he can win.

2. Emissary

Won the Geelong Cup, before running second in the Melbourne Cup last year.  Was wide with the big weight first up in the Heatherlie and I thought he stuck on pretty well.  Chance.

3. Floating Artist

Has had some issues but looks to be back to somewhere near his best.  And his best is very good.  Loved the win at the Valley last start.  Primed for this third up, from the good gate with M Zahra going on.

4. Regal Power

Former All Star Mile winner who showed signs of life in the Heatherlie last start.  Maps well from 8.  Knock out.

5. Goldman

Complete forgive first up when three wide the trip.  Could be a big improver.

6. Daqiansweet Junior

He was okay last start but I think he needs further.

7. Sheraz

Got going last in the Heatherlie.  Barrier makes things tough.  Might need one more.

8. Uncle Bryn

Was second in this race last year.  Think they settle much closer from the low draw.  Looks some sort of threat here third up at big odds.

9. Virtuous Circle

He was an excellent second in the ATC Derby earlier in the year.  Another who might need one more.

10. Bear Story

Wasn’t beaten far at the Valley last start.  In the mix.

11. Milford

Been up for a while and gets no favours from the draw.  Prefer others.

12. Berkeley Square

Talented galloper who has been solid in all three runs back.  Gets blinkers for the first time here.  Can they find him the extra length he needs to put himself right in the finish.

13. Hasta La War

Failed first up at a big price.  Prefer others.

14. The Summit

Was keen on him last start in the Heatherlie.  Ran well there but did have his chance.  Could be worth another chance.

15. Timour

Happy to watch first up.

16. Future History

Blinkers go back on.  Is going well.  Expect a positive ride from the wide gate.

17e. Alaskan God

Was a big flashing light run in the Feehan Stakes.  If J Kah can find away to get him out of the barriers he is definite winning chance.

18e. Reo

Not here.

19e. Brayden Star  – SCRATCHED

20e. She’s Fit

Was placed in the South Australian Oaks last prep and was okay first up at the Valley.  Not sure she’s good enough.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
3 Floating Artist	17 Alaskan God
5 Goldman	3 Floating Artist
1 Hezashocka	5 Goldman
8 Uncle Bryn	16 Future History

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	8 Uncle Bryn
2nd	3 Floating Artist	2.25 lengths
3rd	17e Alaskan God	2.75 lengths
4th	12 Berkeley Square	3.05 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings: 15. Timour, 16. Future History, 20e. She’s Fit, 19e. Brayden Star.