Old Comrade Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 10 runners for the 2024 Old Comrade Stakes with 9 geldings and one mare. There are two 4YOs, three 5YOs, two 7YOs, two 8YOs and a 9YO. Four of them had their last start in the Listed Grandstand Cup over 1500m at Ascot on 23rd March (won by Mood Swings) and four in a 2YO+ Benchmark 72+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 23rd March (won by Rokanori), while the other 2 came via different races. Three runners are sired by Playing God. The 2023 and 2022 winners are both running.

The betting is fairly open and the early favourite is Tin Chooks who has won his last 3 starts. Second favourite is Sisu Warrior who has been in the quinella at all 3 starts this preparation Third favouritism is shared between Mood Swings who was a good winner at Ascot last start, and  Mojo Rhythm who finished 3rd behind him. Weaponson won this race last year and finished 2nd to Mood Swings last start, while Rokanori was a last-start winner. The other runners are currently $10 or longer.

1. River Rubicon (8)

Finished 7th in the Listed Grandstand Cup over 1500m at Ascot on 23rd March (won by Mood Swings). Has never won beyond 1400m.

2. Mood Swings (1)

Was a 1.3 length winner in the Grandstand Cup at Ascot last start and should go well.

3. Playing Marika (10)

The only mare in the race this year. Resumes from a 20 week spell and will probably need her first-up run.

4. Mojo Rhythm (4)

Finished 3rd behind Mood Swings in the Grandstand Cup. In the mix.

5. Weaponson (2)

Won this race last year and finished 2nd to Mood Swings in the Grandstand Cup last start. One of the main chances.

6. Rokanori (3)

Last-start winner in a 2YO+ Benchmark 72+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 23rd March. Not the worst.

7. Bruce Almighty (6)

Won this race 2 years ago and hasn’t been far from the winner at this past few starts.

8. Media Baron (7)

This looks too hard.

9. Sisu Warrior (9)

Has been in the quinella at all 3 starts this preparation, including a win at Bunbury. Fights hard and should be in the finish.

10. Tin Chooks (5)

This 4YO has won his last 3 starts at Pinjarra, Belmont and Ascot. In the best form of his career and could win this.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
10 Tin Chooks
9 Sisu Warrior
5 Weaponson
2 Mood Swings

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Tin Chooks
2nd	4 Mojo Rhythm	0.68 length
3rd	1 River Rubicon	1.33 lengths
4th	2 Mood Swings	1.49 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.