Queen Of The South Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 17 runners for the Queen Of The South Stakes with two 3YOs, ten 4YOs, three 5YOs and two 6YOs. Three of the runners had their last start in the Bendigo Gold Bracelet over 1400m at Bendigo on 1 April, two in the VOBIS Gold Distaff over 1400m at Sandown Lakeside on 15 April and two in the Listed City Of Adelaide Handicap over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 22 April, while the rest all came via different races. Trainers Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea, Peter & Paul Snowden, Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) and Nick Ryan all have 2 runners.

The betting is wide open and the early favourite is Foxy Frida who ran 2nd in this race last year and resumed for a win in the Bendigo Gold Bracelet. Second favourite is Sparkle who returns from a 6 week let-up after winning two races over 2000m at Flemington in March. Third favourite is Caste who has won the Listed H C Nitschke Stakes over 1400m last start. Cap De Joie has been in the quinella at all 3 runs this campaign, while My Whisper is second-up. The rest of the runners are currently $12 or more.

1. Silent Sovereign (8)

Won this race last year. One of 2 runners for Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea (the other is Agreeable). This will be her first race for them as she changed trainers from Tony & Calvin McEvoy to Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea in April 2023. Has had 2 trials in April. Prefer others.

2. My Whisper (13)

One of 2 runners for Peter & Paul Snowden (the other is Dynasties). She has three Group 3 wins and this is her best distance. Resumed after 18 weeks for 3.6 lengths 9th over 1400m at Bendigo. Likely to settle back in the field. Not the worst.

3. Belle Plaisir (1)

Resumed for 5th in the Bendigo Gold Bracelet where she was found to be lame. Drawn ideally and could show up.

4. Foxy Frida (4)

Finished 2nd in this race last year. Resumed for a win in the Bendigo Gold Bracelet and is one of the main chances.

5. Agreeable (17)

Has drawn the widest barrier. Has had 2 starts since resuming for a 5th and a 6th. Prefer others.

6. Dynasties (9)

Runs well on soft tracks but has struggles at all 3 starts this preparation. Looking elsewhere.

7. Sparkle (10)

Won the Grand Handicap Classic Prelude by a length over 2000m at Flemington on 11 March, then won the Grand Handicap Classic by 2 lengths over 2000m at Flemington on 25 March. Has had a six week let-up and should run well here.

8. Miss You Ella (7)

American runner having her first Australian start. She has 3 wins and 3 places from 10 starts. Watch the market.

9. Belle Savoir (15)

One of 2 runners for Nick Ryan (the other is Cap De Joie). Has placed at her last 2 starts and should run well.

10. Rich Gina (6)

She has placed at all 4 runs this campaign and was 2nd in the City Of Adelaide Handicap last start.Always tries hard and can place.

11. Cap De Joie (11)

Won over 1600m at Moonee Valley on 24 March then ran 2nd over 1700m at Geelong on 7 April. Major chance.

12. Last Girl Love (12)

Has won 4 of her 14 starts but looks safely held in this field.

13. Tahlequah (2)  – SCRATCHED

14. Alpine Flyer (16)  – SCRATCHED

15. Delicious Tycoon (5)

Prefer others

16. Waltz On By (14)

Won the Listed Bendigo Guineas over 1400m on 1 April, then was 4th in the Mornington Guineas over 1600m on 22 April. Place chance.

17. Caste (3)

Has won her last 2 races to give her a career record of 3 wins and a place from 5 starts. Closed strongly to win the Nitschke last start and can give this a shake.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
11 Cap De Joie
17 Caste
4 Foxy Frida
7 Sparkle

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	17 Caste
2nd	4 Foxy Frida	0.5 length
3rd	16 Waltz On By	4.5 lengths
4th	1 Silent Sovereign	5 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 9. Belle Savoir, 11.Cap De Joie, 13. Tahlequah, 14. Alpine Flyer.