Paris Lane Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

With the early scratchings of Detonator Jack and Cotehele, 14 runners remain for the 2023 Paris Lane Stakes. There are 13 geldings and one stallion with two 4YOs, five 5YOs, three 6YOs, three 7YO and one 9YO. Two of them had their last start in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality over 1200m at Flemington on 16th September, two in the Group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap over 1400m at Randwick on 16th September and two in a BM 100 Handicap over 1100m at Caulfield on 23rd September, while the rest came via different races. Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Tamerlane who led early but was winded late to finish 2.1 lengths 5th in the Bill Ritchie. Second favourite is Umgawa who was runner-up 3 races in a row before 0.9 length 4th in the Listed Testa Rossa. Third favourite is Charterhouse who chased hard to the line when 6th in the Bobbie Lewis. Just Folk ran 2nd in this race in 2021 and resumes here from a spell. All other runners are currently $10 or more.

1. Just Folk (7)

Finished 2nd in this race in 2021 and resumes here from a 19 week spell. Having his first start for trainer Gavin Bedggood. should go well.

2. Character (4)

Hasn’t started since winning the Listed Tatt’s Mile Quality Handicap over 1600m on 24th June. Resumes from a 15 week break and having his first start for trainer Simon Ryan. Goes well on a soft track. Keep safe.

3. Not An Option (1)

Drawn the inside barrier and has 2 wins at this track and distance. Resumed from a 14 week spell to run 5.8 lengths 10th over 1100m at Caulfield where he chased steadily and needed more ground. Not the worst.

4. Charterhouse (16)

Had 2 placings at Flemington before he chased hard to the line when 6th in the Bobbie Lewis. over 1200m with the best last 200m. Will appreciate the extra 200m and is a genuine chance despite drawing the outside barrier.

5. Tamerlane (12)

Led early but was headed at the 150m and winded late to finish 2.1 lengths 5th in the Bill Ritchie. Fitter now and is one of the main chances.

6. Minsk Moment (8)

This I Am Invincible stallion changer trainers from Adam Durrant to Chris Waller in September 2023. Resumed from a 16 week spell to finish 4 lengths 7th in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis. Chance.

7. Stageman (11)

The oldest runner in the race as he is a 9YO. Finished six lengths back from the winner last start at Caulfield. Has exceptional form on soft going so keep an eye on the track rating.

8. Detonator Jack (15)  – SCRATCHED

9. Umgawa (6)

Runner-up 3 races in a row  before 0.9 length 4th in the Listed Testa Rossa over 1400m at Caulfield on 23rd September. Ran 0.4 length 2nd in the Aurie’s Star over 1200m at Flemington on 5th August, 0.1 length 2nd in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield on 19th August and 0.4 length 2nd in the Listed The Sofitel over 1400m at Flemington on 16th September. One of the main chances.

10. Cotehele (3)  – SCRATCHED

11. Flying Crazy (13)

Chased hard for 1.6 lengths 4th in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes over 1500m. In the mix.

12. Nicolini Vito (10)

Unplaced in all 4 runs this preparation. Looking elsewhere.

13. The Fortune Teller (5)

Resumed to run 6 lengths back from the winner in the Bill Ritchie. Prefer others.

14. Highland Jakk (14)

Stayer resuming after 29 weeks. Looks safely held.

15. Mystery Shot (2)

Finished 3rd in this race in 2021. Five of his seven wins have been at this distance range. Can make his presence felt.

16. Von Hauke (9)

Lightly raced gelding with 2 wins and 3 second-placings from 6 starts. His breeding strongly suggests he should be a stayer but he has been racing in the 1200m to 1400m range with success. Last start winner over 1300m at Sandown Hillside on 13th September. It would be no surprise to see him in the finish.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Lewis Oliver’s Tips
5 Tamerlane	5 Tamerlane
9 Umgawa	4 Charterhouse
4 Charterhouse	1 Just Folk
16 Von Hauke	13 The Fortune Teller

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Tamerlane
2nd	1 Just Folk	1.75 lengths
3rd	9 Umgawa	3 lengths
4th	13 The Fortune Teller	3.2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 4. Charterhouse, 6. Minsk Moment (SB), 8. Detonator Jack, 10. Cotehele, 11. Flying Crazy.