Perth Cup – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a full field of 16 runners plus an emergency for the $1,000,000 Perth Cup with 14 geldings and 3 mares. There are three four-year-olds, six five-year-olds, four six-year-olds, one seven-year-old, one eight-year-old and two nine-year-olds. Eight runners had their last start in the Listed A.T.A. Stakes over 2200m at Ascot on 20th December (won by Queen Alina), three in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes over 2100m at Ascot on 23rd December (won by Numerian), three in a 4YO+ BM66+ Handicap over 2100m at Ascot on 23rd December (won by Ghobella), two in a BM 72+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 16th December (won by Let’sdeal) and one in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 9th December. Two runners are sired by Blackfriars and 2 by So You Think. Trainers Neville Parnham, Daniel & Ben Pearce and Donna Riordan all have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Casino Seventeen who was 3rd in the Ted Van Heemst and meets the winner 6kg better at the weights. Second favourite is topweight Numerian who won that race. Third favourite is Be Optimistic who finished 13th in the Northerly and carries 4 kg less here. Zoumon is an eastern states raider who did a lot wrong when 4th in the Ted Van Heemst. Black Fantasy was a close 2nd in the A.T.A. Stakes, while Queen Alina won that race. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Numerian (15)

Winner of the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes over 2100m at Ascot on 23rd December. One of the chances.

2. Zoumon (12)

An eastern states raider who did a lot wrong when 4th in the Ted Van Heemst. Wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

3. Bad Wolf (9)

Finished 8th in a BM 72+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 16th December. Unlikely.

4. Be Optimistic (8)

Finished 13th in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 9th December and carries 4 kg less here. Has won 2 of his last 4 runs, including the Kalgoorlie Cup over 2300m. Has strong claims.

5. Black Fantasy (14)

Was a close 2nd in the  Listed A.T.A. Stakes over 2200m at Ascot on 20th December. Should go well.

6. Blazing Away (7)

Was 3rd in the A.T.A. Stakes behind Queen Alina and Black Fantasy. Not the worst.

7. Casino Seventeen (5)

Was 3rd in the Ted Van Heemst and meets the winner 6kg better at the weights. Pike rides and I think he will be in the finish.

8. Demolish (4)

Came from the back of the field to finish 3 lengths 7th in the A.T.A. Stakes with the best closing splits. Don’t dismiss.

9. Diamond Scene (2)

Won 4 races in a row before 0.7 length 4th in the A.T.A. Stakes. Likely to race on the speed and has the lightest weight he’s carried in a while. Chance.

10. Holy Enchantment (16)

Came from last to finish 2nd to Ghobella in a 4YO+ BM66+ Handicap over 2100m at Ascot on 23rd December. This is a big rise in class but he is peaking at the right time.

11. Let’sdeal (17)

Won in a BM 72+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 16th December. Has the widest barrier and might struggle stepping up to the 2400m.

12. Neufbosc (3)

Won this race in 2021. Finished 5th in the A.T.A. Stakes last start. Tough old campaigner capable of running a place.

13. Playhouse Patron (13)

This looks too hard.

14. Queen Alina (6)

Won the A.T.A. Stakes last start. Good staying mare who can get into the prizemoney.

15. Toni’s Spirit (1)

Gets the inside barrier but looks tested.

16. Truly Inspired (10)

Unplaced in his 4 runs this preparation. Unlikely.

17e. Atlantis Beach (11)

Hasn’t won beyond 1650m. This looks too strong.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Be Optimistic
7 Casino Seventeen
14 Queen Alina
9 Diamond Scene

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Casino Seventeen
2nd	4 Be Optimistic	0.04 length
3rd	8 Demolish	1.89 lengths
4th	1 Numerian	2.35 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching:  17e. Atlantis Beach.