Premier’s Plate – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the $107,250 Premier’s Plate with 8 geldings and 5 mares. There are three 4YOs, one 5YO, four 6YOs, four 7YOs and one 8YO. Five runners had their last start in the Strathalbyn Cup over 2050m on 29 January, two in a 2000m BM60 Handicap over 2000m at Morphettville on 28 January and the remaining 6 all came via different races. Trainers Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray have two runners.

The betting is wide open this year. The early favourite is 4YO mare Bundle Of Fun who has won her last 2 races including the Strathalbyn Cup last start. Second favourite is The Map who has won 4 races from 1400m to 2500m. Third favourite is Tralee Rose who is first up since running in the Melbourne up and has to carry 6 kg more than the other runners.

Clever Man has been runner-up in his last 3 races. Sebonna has won 10 of his 34 starts, while Malinong Club has won her last 2 starts. The rest of the runners are currently over $10, including Wyclif who won the race last year.

1. Tralee Rose (8)

The only runner to be tackling the 2019m first-up. This six-year-old Tavistock mare hasn’t raced since running 17th in the 2022 Melbourne Cup. She has to lug 60kg when the rest of the field have 54kg. Gets winkers on for the first time. Wouldn’t surprise to see her in the finish.

2. Sebonna (12)

He has won 10 of his 34 starts. Resumed for 3 lengths 5th in the Strathalbyn Cup but meets the winner 6kg better at the weights. Has only won once second-up. Prefer others.

3. Farooq (1)

Has placed at his last 2 starts and goes up in distance. He has a good record over 2000m and is drawn the rails. Place chance.

4. Stars Of Carrum (13)

Has struggled in 4 starts this campaign and has drawn the outside barrier. Looking to others.

5. Bundle Of Fun (5)

She has won her last 2 races with a 2 length win over 2100m at Gawler and a 1.2 length win in the Strathalbyn Cup over 2050m last start. In great form at the moment and is one of the main chances.

6. Clever Man (9)

He has been runner-up in his last 3 races with the latest being in the Strathalbyn Cup. Has placed in 2 of his 3 starts at this track and is capable of placing again.

7. Wyclif (11)

Won this race last year. Hasn’t raced since 4.9 lengths 7th over 2040m at Moonee Valley on 24 December, but has trialled and won since then. Not the worst.

8. The Map (10)

One of two runners for Dan Clarken & Oopy MacGillivray. He has won 4 races from 1400m to 2500m and goes well at Morphettville. Has claims.

9. Splash Some Cash (4)

Has raced at Morphettville 16 times without winning. Appears tested.

10. Does It (2)

Unplaced in all 4 runs this campaign. Looking elsewhere.

11. Riverina Cyclone (3)

She has won 3 of her last 4 starts in Victoria, but has not raced at this track before. Barend Vorster takes the ride and she can make her presence felt.

12. Malinong Club (7)

Won over 1600m at Strathalbyn on 15 January, then won over 2000m at Morphettville on 28 January. Can figure in the finish.

13. Busker’s Ballad (6)

Only beat one runner home last start over 2000m at Morphettville. Gets the blinkers back on. Appears safely held.

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

Jo’s Tips
5 Bundle Of Fun
12 Malinong Club
8 The Map
6 Clever Man