Old Comrade Stakes – 2023

2023 Old Comrade Stakes Race Details

Race 8 at Ascot on Saturday 8th April 2023.

The Old Comrade Stakes is a Listed race held at Ascot racecourse over 1600 metres. It is for horses two-years-old and upwards and is run under handicap conditions. The total prizemoney is $125,000 this year.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the Old Comrade Stakes page.

Old Comrade Stakes 2023 Preview

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Eight runners have accepted for the Listed Old Comrade Stakes with 7 geldings and one mare. There are two 5YOs, four 6YOs and two 7YOs. Seven of the runners had their last start in the Listed Grandstand Cup over 1500m at Ascot on 25 March. Two of the runners are sired by I’m All The Talk.

The early favourite is Weaponson who has won 3 of his last 5 starts and been runner-up at the other 2. Second favourite is Em Tee Aye who was narrowly beaten as favourite last outing in the Grandstand Cup. Third favourite is Creator who was blocked from the turn to the 100m when 1.5 lengths 5th in the Grandstand. Last Of The Line kept coming steadily for 4th in that race, while Playing Marika won that race but carries an extra 2kg here. All other runners are currently $10 or more.

2023 Old Comrade Stakes Runner by Runner

1. Last Of The Line (6)

Resumed from a 16 week spell for 8th in the Bunbury Stakes, then kept coming steadily for 4th in the Grandstand Cup. Should be fitter now and is a major player.

2. Playing Marika (1)

The only mare in the race. Ran 3rd in the Group 3 La Trice Classic over 1800m on 1 January then returned from an 11 week let-up for a 0.3 length win in the Grandstand Cup. Carries an extra 2kg here but should still run well.

3. Em Tee Aye (4)

One of two runners sired by I’m All The Talk (the other is The Spruiker). Finished 2 lengths 7th in the Bunbury Stakes when resuming, then was narrowly beaten as favourite last outing in the Grandstand Cup. His best distance is 1400m but will run well.

4. Big Bada Boom (2)

Won over 1400m at Ascot on 11 March in a faster time than the Listed race on that day, then finished a length 3rd in the Grandstand Cup. Goes well at this distance and Mrs Lucy Fiore stays on him. Looks well placed.

5. Cheval De Vaga (5)

Ran 4th over 1600m at Ascot on 4 March after leading to the 150m when he was headed, then faded late for 7th in the Grandstand Cup. Prefer him over a shorter distance.

6. Creator (8)

Was disappointing running 6th in the Bunbury Stakes, then was blocked from the turn to the 100m when 1.5 lengths 5th in the Grandstand. Can improve on that.

7. The Spruiker (3)

Ran last in the Grandstand after 4 lengths 10th in the Bunbury Stakes. Appears to be struggling this preparation and needs to lift.

8. Weaponson (7)

Has won 3 of his last 5 starts and been runner-up at the other 2. Comes off a 1.4 length win over 1800m at Ascot on 18 March and drops 6kg from that win. Gets William Pike and should feature in the finish.