Placid Ark Stakes – 2023

2023 Placid Ark Stakes Race Details

Race 8 at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 18th November 2023.

The Placid Ark Stakes is a Listed race held at Ascot racecourse over 1200 metres. It is for three-year-olds and is run under set weights conditions. The total prizemoney is $500,000 this year.

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

Placid Ark Stakes 2023 Preview

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Following the early scratching of Almighty Class, 14 runners remain for the 2023 Placid Ark Stakes, with 9 geldings and 5 fillies. Five runners had their last start in the Placid Ark Prelude over 1000m at Ascot on 4th November and four had their last start in the Listed Belgravia Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 28th October, while the rest came via different races. Trainers Luke Fernie and Simon A Miller both have 3 runners while S & J Casey have 2 runners.

The short-priced early favourite is Oscar’s Fortune who has raced 4 times for 4 wins and won the Placid Ark Prelude last outing. Second favourite is Augment who finished a close 2nd to Super Smink in the Belgravia Stakes. Third favourite is Hanchi who resumed for an unlucky 2nd in the Placid Ark Prelude. Petula was 2.5 lengths 7th in the Belgravia but has won 2 of her 4 starts, while Krysanova ran 3rd in the Prelude. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

2023 Placid Ark Stakes Runner by Runner

1. Snow Prince (11)

One of 2 runners for Sean & Jake Casey (the other is Hanchi). On a seven day back-up after being held-up from the turn to the 150m when he finished 2.1 lengths 5th over 1200m at Ascot last Saturday. Not the worst.

2. Ripcord (15)

One of 3 runners for Luke Fernie (the others are Weapons Hot and Shaddow Fear). He has drawn the outside barrier. He over-raced early and in the middle stages and was never likely when 3.2 lengths 8th in the Listed Belgravia Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 28th October, but was runner-up at both his previous 2 starts. Should go well.

3. Oscar’s Fortune (8)

He has raced 4 times for 4 wins and won the Placid Ark Prelude over 1000m at Ascot on 4th November. Has good early speed and William Pike sticks with him. Leading chance.

4. Hanchi (13)

Resumed from a 19 week spell for an unlucky 2nd in the Placid Ark Prelude behind Oscar’s Fortune after being held-up from the turn to the 200m then chasing hard. Has drawn wide but is a major chance again.

5. Alotofbanter (1)

One of 3 runners for Simon A Miller (the others are Augment and Petula). Led into the straight last outing before being overhauled inside the 100m to finish 4th and was found to have his tongue over the bit. Drawn the inside barrier. Place chance.

6. Almighty Class (2) – SCRATCHED

7. Lord Lala (4)

Has won 1 of his 3 starts. Finished 6.4 lengths 6th in the Prelude when fresh and gets blinkers on for the first time. This looks too hard.

8. Leading Taddy (3)

Placed at his last 3 starts and gets blinkers on for the first time. Rough place chance.

9. Wicked Venom (9)

Won on debut over 1000m at Northam, then finished 0.7 length 2nd over 1100m at Ascot on 1st November. Looks above average and is a place chance.

10. Weapons Hot (14)

The only maiden runner in the race but he has placed in 3 of his 4 starts. Drawn very wide. Unlikely.

11. Shaddow Fear (12)

Faded to finish last in the Belgravia Stakes and gets blinkers on for the first time. Prefer others.

12. Augment (5)

Finished a close 2nd to Super Smink in the Listed Belgravia Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 28th October to give her 2 wins and 3 places from 5 starts. Genuine contender.