Port Adelaide Cup – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 16 runners for the Port Adelaide Cup with 13 geldings and 3 mares. There are three 4YOs, five 5YOs, two 6YOs, five 7YOs and an 8YO. Three of the runners had their last start in a BM 82 Handicap over 2500m at Morphettville on 15 April, two in the Group 3 Easter Cup over 2100m at Sandown Lakeside on 8 April, two in the Onkaparinga Cup over 2150m at Oakbank on 8 April, two in a BM 64 Handicap over 2900m at Oakbank on 10 April, two in a BM 72 Handicap over 1950m at Morphettville Parks on 22 April, while the rest all came via different races. Trainer Paul Preusker has 2 runners.

The betting is wide open and the early favourite is Long Arm who won at this track and distance on 15th April. Second favourite is Captain Envious who has won at 2400m and placed at 2600m. Third favourite is Clever Man who has won his last 3 starts including the Onkaparinga Cup. Designs ran 2nd in this race last year. The rest of the runners are currently over $10.

1. Horrifying (15)

He faded to finish 10 lengths from the winner last start at Sandown Lakeside on a heavy track after running 2nd over 1600m at Moonee Valley the start before. Craig Williams has had success on him before. Consider.

2. Clever Man (6)

Comes off 3 consecutive wins including the Mount Gambier Cup over 2050m and the Onkaparinga Cup over 2150m. Has won at this distance before and should run well again.

3. Dashing Willoughby (1)

First-up after 20 weeks and has had a trainer change from Sam Kavanagh to Kathryn Durden. Prefer to watch.

4. Hasta La War (9)

Finished 3rd in the 2150m Terang Cup last start on heavy going. Has won at this distance before. In the mix.

5. Captain Envious (4)

One of two runners for trainer Paul Preusker (the other is Brawl). Has finished in the back half of the field at both runs this preparation but is fitter now.

6. Long Arm (7)

Last start winner at this track and distance on 15th April and John Allen sticks. Winning chance.

7. Sebonna (5)

Finished 3rd behind Long Arm start and has a good record at this distance. Handles all going and it wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

8. Supagirl (8)

Ran 2nd over 2200m at Terang last start and is fitter now after 2 outings this campaign.

9. Canford (16)

The oldest runner this year. Could struggle from the wide barrier.

10. Verimli (3)

Only beat one home when resuming in the Onkaparinga Cup. Seems unlikely.

11. Designs (10)

Finished 2nd in this race last year. On a seven day back-up after running 3rd over 1950m at Morphettville Parks on 22 April. One of the main chances.

12. Dixie Whistler (13)

Dropped out to a clear last before picking up again and hitting the line better than anything for 2nd over 2500m at Morphettville on 15 April behind Long Arm. Think she will run well.

13. Smiling Assassin (2)

Won by 4 lengths over 2100m at Gawler on 2 April, then won by 0.8 length over 2900m at Oakbank on 10 April. Don’t dismiss.

14. Brawl (11)

Just missed to run 0.5 length 2nd over 1850m in the Stawell Cup on 9 April. Not the worst.

15. Wolf Prince (14)

Finished 2nd over 2900m at Oakbank laststart but is drawn very wide.

16. Salute The Stars (12)

On a seven day back-up. Unlikely.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
6 Long Arm
12 Dixie Whistler
2 Clever Man
11 Designs

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Hasta La War
2nd	2 Clever Man	1.2 lengths
3rd	11 Designs	2.5 lengths
4th	8 Supagirl	2.8 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 14. Brawl.