Northam Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners plus 1 emergency for the 2024 Tabtouch Northam Stakes with 13 geldings, one mare and one filly. There is one 3YO, three 4YOs, four 5YOs, three 6YOs and four 7YOs. Ten of them had their last start in The Joey over 1200m at Ascot on 20th April (won by Magnificent Andy) and three in $5,000,000 The Quokka over 1200m at Ascot on 20th April (won by Overpass), while the other 2 came via different races. Two runners are sired by Playing God and two by Gingerbread Man. Trainers Grant & Alana Williams and Daniel Morton have 3 runners each, while Daniel & Ben Pearce have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Western Empire who resumed for 3rd in The Joey. Second favourite is Saloon Bar who ran 1.7 lengths 5th in The Quokka. Third favourite is Comfort Me who was 1 length 4th in The Joey. Magnificent Andy got the bob in to be a narrow winner of The Joey. Triple Missile finished 8th in The Quokka, while Red Can Man was 5th in The Joey All other runners are currently $17 or longer.

1. Let’s Galahvant (15)

Resumed from a 15 week spell to finish 15th in The Joey over 1200m at Ascot on 20th April (won by Magnificent Andy). He had a luckless run where he was taken back from a wide barrier then held-up for much of the straight. Has 2 wins from 4 starts at Northam and should go well.

2. Magnificent Andy (10)

Got the bob in to be a narrow winner of The Joey to make it 2 wins in a row at Ascot. He won his only previous start at Northam and has won on soft going. Genuine chance.

3. Startrade (5)

Had a change of trainer from Daniel Morton to Lou Luciani in March 2024 and resumed from a 17 week break for 3.9 lengths 13th in The Joey. Normally needs his first-up run and has good second-up statistics. Has one win from 3 starts at Northam.

4. Triple Missile (14)

Ran on strongly to finish 3.2 lengths 8th in The Quokka with good closing splits. Not the worst.

5. Ginger Baker (7)

Taken to the back from a wide barrier and ran on for 2.8 lengths 8th in The Joey when first-up. Sneaky place chance.

6. Mojo Rhythm (3)

This Playing God gelding has placed at his last 2 starts but drops back in distance here. Prefer others.

7. Aztec Ruler (12)

Finished 6th in The Joey after being wide throughout. In the mix.

8. Red Can Man (6)

Ran 3rd in this race last year and was runner-up in 2022.  Was 5th in The Joey and can make his presence felt.

9. Mood Swings (13)

Prefer others.

10. Real Danger (11)

Has 3 wins and 2 places from 5 starts at Northam. Could surprise.

11. Western Empire (4)

Resumed for 3rd in The Joey and William Pike stays on him. One of the key chances.

12. Comfort Me (2)

Ran 2nd in this race last year. Was 1 length 4th in The Joey after being eased near the 250m. Should go well.

13. Saloon Bar (9)

Ran 1.7 lengths 5th in The Quokka with good closing splits. Won his only previous start at Northam. Good chance.

14. Super Smink (8)

The only 3YO in the race and can only improve from last in The Quokka.

15e. Pompey (1)

Didn’t have much luck when 7th in The Joey and goes well second-up. Could place.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Magnificent Andy
11 Western Empire
12 Comfort Me
8 Red Can Man

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Western Empire
2nd	9 Mood Swings	2.41 lengths
3rd	8 Red Can Man	3.02 lengths
4th	2 Magnificent Andy	3.54 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 15e. Pompey.