Pago Pago Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

A wide open race with plenty of hopes. Zulifqar has some strong form around it and Nash does the steering from the wide draw. Plenty to like about what Maharba showed for the new stable last start kicking away from its rivals. Shinzo has been around the mark this prep and will just need a bit to go right from the draw to give this a shake. Introducing ran well on debut and kicked late. The runner up has since run well since.

1. Zulfiqar (9)

Couldn’t hack the wide gate last start but prior form is very good for this. The 5th behind Little Brose and Krakarib reads nicely and Nash does the steering from the wide gate. Has to be in the mix against this lot.

2. Maharba (1)

Won nicely last start. There was good late money for it and it found a few gears to win streaking away from its rivals. Drawn to do no work and an in form Michael Dee does the steering. This is a suitable race.

3. Disneck (7)

Prefer others.

4. Shinzo (10)

Good finale last start and hit the line hard. The fact that J-Mac steers tells plenty about its chances and the wide draw may be okay in this given it can find some clean air early.

5. Bases Loaded (5)

Lead and kicked on debut then ran well in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes behind the smart Corniche with Shinzo in second. That looks solid form for this and it is very hard to knock the way the stable are going. Tim Clark sticks.

6. Legolas (11)

Prefer others.

7. Introducing (2)

Got the job done for us last start and can go on with things drawn. Drawn to perfection with Prebble sticking and the horse it beat has run well since. Knock here is the price and the fact that some of these are well proven above maiden grade. Hard to beat but short enough.

8. Godzilla (8)

Good finale and a recent trial was a sound piece of work. Worth keeping an eye on the market.

9. Cap Ferrat (12)

Can’t have.

10. Bold And Blazen (4)

This looks too tough.

11. Gustosisimo (3)

Trials have been solid and drawn to effect in this. Will need to be very smart to be winning but also worth keeping safe and respecting sany market moves.

12. Idhana (6)

Fair trial. Watch for any market moves.

13. Limburg (13)

Respect the market for its chances.

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

Bryce Parker’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Maharba	2 Maharba
7 Introducing	4 Shinzo
5 Bases Loaded	7 Introducing
4 Shinzo	5 Bases Loaded