Poseidon Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

This is always a good race with some of the better three year olds early in their preparation looking towards races like the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Derby Day.  This year looks no exception.  There is a strong Sydney contingent with top trainers Chris Waller, Peter and Paul Snowden, James Cummings and Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott all bringing runners down.

King’s Gambit, the third place getter in this years Golden Slipper, currently heads the betting.  He has trialed well leading into this.  I Am Unstoppable was a great run in the Vain first up and has the advantage of race fitness.  Pivot City blew them away in a Bendigo maiden five weeks ago, while Kandinsky Abstract looks a potential improver for Chris Waller.

1. Barber

Had strong early two year old form but failed to measure up in the features.  Wouldn’t shock but happy to watch him first up.

2. Arkansaw Kid

Was unlucky in the Blue Diamond then battled on okay in the Golden Slipper.  In the mix.

3. King’s Gambit

Was ultra impressive breaking maiden at Caulfield last October.  Ran placings in the Silver Slipper and Golden Slipper in the Autumn.  Key winning hope and logical favourite.

4. The Instructor

Was a big drifter last start.  I don’t think he’s good enough.

5. Maharba

Resumes.  Was a winner this track and trip in February before running second to the Slipper winner at Rosehill.  Will have fans.

6. I Am Unstoppable

Won both starts in first prep.  Resumed in the Vain Stakes at Caulfield where he ran some excellent late sectionals to just miss Cylinder.  He’s a talent.

7. Lakota Fire

Good effort to win at the Valley last start but this is a significant step up.

8. Mexico

He won a Gosford maiden by two lengths first up.  Not sure he’s up to these.

9. Heman

Resumes.  Ran well at Listed Level at Eagle Farm before spelling.  Top camp.

10. Archo Nacho

Resumes off a short spell and a hot jump out.  Barrier 1 looks far from ideal but it would not shock to see him run very well here.

11. Kandinsky Abstract

Waller galloper who worked home well at Rosehill first up.  Started hard in the market there with J Mac.  I’m wary of him here.

12. Pivot City

Busted the clocked up winning a maiden in fast time at Bendigo on August 10.  Has jumped out well in between runs and looks to have drawn an ideal gate.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
3 King’s Gambit	6 I Am Unstoppable
12 Pivot City	3 King’s Gambit
6 I Am Unstoppable	12 Pivot City
10 Archo Nacho	1 Barber

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Archo Nacho
2nd	6 I Am Unstoppable	0.5 length
3rd	3 King’s Gambit	2.75 lengths
4th	8 Mexico	4.5 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 1. Barber.