Northwood Plume Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Twelve mares have accepted for the 2023 Northwood Plume Stakes. There are seven 4YOs, four 5YOs and one 6YO. Four runners had their last start in a Mares Plate over 1200m at Caulfield on 23rd September (the first 4 home) and three in a BM 100 Handicap over 1100m at Caulfield on 23rd September, while the others came via different races. Trainer Clinton McDonald has 2 runners.

The early favourite is Red Card who has won 6 of her 12 starts The second favourite is Grey River who won a Listed race in Adelaide last start. Third favourite is Seradess who finished 2nd in the Mares Plate. Rose Quartz has placed at her last 3 starts, while She Dances has won 5 of her 11 starts. All other runners are currently $15 or longer.

1. Po Kare Kare (5)

Resumed for 5.5 lengths 9th over 1100m where she was slowly away losing 3 lengths at the start. Warning about her barrier manners. Hard to get enthused.

2. Red Card (12)

Has won 6 of her 12 starts. Started this preparation with a win over 1100m at Rosehill on 9th September, then ran a length 4th over 1200m at Caulfield. She has won both of her previous third-up starts and should fight out the finish.

3. Essonne (2)

First-up from a 23 week spell. Has had multiple trials and should come to hand quickly. Place chance.

4. La Danseuse Rouge (10)

Won the Listed Lightning Stakes over 1050m at Morphettville on 29th July then had an 8 week break before finishing 0.8 length 3rd in the Mares Plate at Caulfield. Can place.

5. Grey River (6)

She was a 2.7 length winner of the Listed W H Wylie Handicap over 1100m at Morphettville on 16th September when first-up. Proven on softer tracks. In the mix.

6. Seradess (3)

Finished 2nd in the Mares Plate and should be fitter now. Chance.

7. She Dances (7)

Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman runner who has won 5 of her 11 starts and put 3 wins in a row together last campaign. Resumed for 3.5 lengths 7th over 1100m at Caulfield after racing three wide. Should take big improvement from that run.

8. Rose Quartz (11)

Has placed at her last 3 starts and has 2 wins and 2 seconds from 4 runs at this distance. Can make her presence felt.

9. Cardigan Queen (9)

Long priced winner of the 1200m Mares Plate at Caulfield at her first race on this track. Wouldn’t surprise to see her in the finish again.

10. Holly Lolly (4)

Returns from a 2 week spell and never finished worse than 4th in  starts last campaign. Could place

11. Glitzing (8)

Going for a hat-trick after wins at Geelong and Sandown Hillside. This is much harder but she looks capable of getting into the money.

12. Get Up Girl (1)

She has 2 wins and a place from her 4 starts and has drawn the rails. Last start winner over 1000m at Cranbourne. Not the worst.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Lewis Oliver’s Tips
2 Red Card	5 Grey River
7 She Dances	8 Rose Quartz
8 Rose Quartz	6 Seradess
9 Cardigan Queen	2 Red Card

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 She Dances
2nd	8 Rose Quartz	1.25 lengths
3rd	4 La Danseuse Rouge	1.35 lengths
4th	9 Cardigan Queen	1.85 lengths

The track was rated as ood 4.

There were no scratchings.