Proud Miss Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 16 fillies and mares lining up for the Proud Miss Stakes. There are two 3YOs, nine 4YOs and five 5YOs. Three of the runners had their last start in a BM 76 Handicap over 1100m at Morphettville on 29 April, and two in a BM 84 Handicap over 1000m at Sandown Lakeside on 29 April, while the rest all came via different races. Trainers Anthony & Sam Freedman and Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr) each have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Foxicon who is looking for a hat-trick after winning two in a row at Sandown Hillside and Sandown Lakeside. Second favourite is Hypothetical who returns from a 6 week let-up and has a good record at this distance. Third favourite is Grey River who finished 1.3 lengths 5th in the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes after having some bad luck. Snapped finished 2nd to Foxicon last start, while I Am Bene was 2nd in this race last year and has a great record at this distance. The rest of the runners are currently over $12.

1. Belsielle (5)

Worked home strong out wide for 1.7 lengths 5th in the Listed Wangoom Handicap over 1200m at Warrnambool last start on a heavy track. Not the worst.

2. Diamonds (3)

Never came into it last start when resuming after 15 weeks in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes. Has a good record at this track and distance so can show rapid improvement.

3. Hypothetical (13)

One of 2 runners for Anthony & Sam Freedman (the other is Snapped). Returns from a 6 week let-up and has a good record at this distance. Capable of getting into the money.

4. Foxicon (4)

This Peter Moody runner has won 5 of her 9 starts and is looking for a hat-trick after winning two in a row at Sandown Hillside and Sandown Lakeside. Three wins have been on soft tracks, and with the good draw she should be hard to beat.

5. I Am Bene (1)

This 4YO was 2nd in this race last year and has a great record at this distance. She resumes after a 26 week spell and has won 2 of her 3 first-up starts. She won a recent Murray Bridge trial and has drawn the inside barrier. Should go well.

6. Gaze Grise (10)

All 6 of her wins have been between 950m and 1050m and the 1200m seems too far for her.

7. Snapped (7)

Finished 2nd to Foxicon last start at Sandown Hillside. She has 3 wins from 9 starts and looks a place chance.

8. Calla Dream (9)

Has finished well back at both starts this campaign. Prefer to watch.

9. So Say Angel (11)

Resumed after 32 weeks for 3.3 lengths 6th over 1100m at Morphettville . Has one win from 7 runs at the track. Prefer others.

10. Legless Lady (16)

Came back from a 23 week spell to run 0.5 length 2nd over 1100m at Morphettville. Jason Holder sticks and she goes well on soft going. Has drawn the outside barrier but should run well. Place chance.

11. Starlite Valley (15)

Has won 2 of 6 starts this campaign and goes well at the track. Has the speed to overcome barrier 15. Place chance.

12. Circle Of Magic (6)

Trained by Mark & Levi Kavanagh who won this race with Seradess last year. She has been very consistent this campaign, running in the trifecta at her last 5 starts. Won’t be far away.

13. Ballynora (12)

Peaked late over 1400m last start and will prefer the 1200m. Not the worst.

14. Queen Of The Green (2)

One of 2 runners for Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) (the other is South Of Houston). She has only had 2 starts and resumes after 32 weeks. Looking to others.

15. Grey River (8)

Finished 1.3 lengths 5th in the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes after drifting back then getting taken out very wide. She hit the line very strongly and looks to have a chance here.

16. South Of Houston (14)

Hasn’t run a bad race with a win and 3 runner-ups in her 4 starts. Up in grade but will run an honest race.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Foxicon
15 Grey River
7 Snapped
5 I Am Bene

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Snapped
2nd	15 Grey River	0.3 length
3rd	3 Hypothetical	0.6 length
4th	4 Foxicon	1.4 lengths

The track was rated as soft 7.

Scratchings: 13. Ballynora, 16. South Of Houston.