Northam Cup – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the Northam Cup this year, with 11 geldings and 2 mares. There are two 4YOs, one 5YO, three 6YOs, two 7YOs, three 8YOs, one 9YO and one 10YO. Five runners had their last start in a RTG 78+ Handicap over 1400m at Ascot on 14th October that was won by Pompey, two in the Listed Hannans Handicap over 1400m at Kalgoorlie on 4th October, two in the Tabtouch Stakes over 1600m at Belmont on 23rd September and two were resuming after the Group 3 Hyperion Stakes over 1600m at Belmont on 27th May while the other 2 came through different races. Grant and Alana Wiliams train 2 runners.

The early favourite is Casino Seventeen who hasn’t raced since winning the Pinjarra Cup in April. Second favourite is Ginger Baker who won the Tabtouch Stakes and has won 5 of his last 8 starts. Third favourite is Pompey who beat several of these runners over 1200m at Ascot on 14th October. Let’s Galahvant finished 2.4 lengths behind Pompey last start, but has won at Northam before. The other runners are currently $15 or longer.

1. Casino Seventeen (10)

One of 2 runners trained by Grant & Alana Williams (the other is Pompey). Hasn’t raced since winning the Pinjarra Cup in April, but has had several trials. One of the main chances.

2. Comes A Time (2)

Finished 6th in the Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes over 1200m at Belmont on 30th September. Steps up in distance and hasn’t raced at Northam before. Looking to others.

3. Playing Marika (7)

Won at her only previous race at this track. Resumes after 22 weeks and won first-up last preparation. Could surprise.

4. Ginger Baker (8)

Won the Tabtouch Stakes by 1.7 lengths last start and has won 5 of his last 8 starts. Has won at this track before and should fight out the finish.

5. Jadavi (3)

Has placed at both starts this preparation. Not the worst.

6. No Apology (13)

Having his first run since changing trainer from Lucy Fiore to Brandon Fiore. Has trialled. Rough place chance.

7. Let’s Galahvant (1)

Finished 2.4 lengths behind Pompey last start, in a RTG 78+ Handicap over 1400m at Ascot on 14th October. Drawn barrier 1 and a place chance.

8. Western Temple (11)

This 10YO is he oldest runner in the race this year. Finished 4th in the Hannans Handicap last start. Prefer others.

9. Neufbosc (9)

Finished 5th over 1400m behind Pompey last start with good closing splits. Chance.

10. Another Chino (5)

He’s second-up here and has won both previous second-up starts. He won at his only other race on this track. Don’t dismiss.

11. Blazing Away (4)

Looks safely held.

12. Pompey (6)

Has 2 wins and a runner-up from his last 3 starts. Serious chance.

13. Proconsent (12)

Wide draw. Prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Ginger Baker
1 Casino Seventeen
12 Pompey
3 Playing Marika

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Let’s Galahvant
2nd	12 Pompey	0.68 length
3rd	1 Casino Seventeen	1.63 lengths
4th	4 Ginger Baker	2.19 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 11. Blazing Away.