R A Lee Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 10 runners for the R A Lee Srakes with 7 geldings, 2 mares and one filly. There is one 3YO, two 4YOs, two 5YOs, three 6YOs, one 7YO and one 9YO. Four of the runners had their last start in an Open Handicap over 1600m at Morphettville on 6 May, and two in the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes over 1600m at Morphettville on 6 May, while the rest all came via different races. Two runners are sired by So You Think, and two by Tavistock. Trainers Richard & Chantelle Jolly have 3 runners.

The early favourite is Foxy Frida who won the Bendigo Gold Bracelet before 0.5 length 2nd in the Queen Of The South. Second favourite is Party Princess who is on a seven day back-up after a 3 length win in the Listed Adelaide Guineas. Third favourite is So Si Bon who ran 3rd in a BM 100 Handicap over 1600m at Sandown Hillside last start on soft going . Lord Vladivostok has a good record at this track and distance. The rest of the runners are currently over $12.

1. Regalo Di Gaetano (9)

One of 3 runners for trainers Richard & Chantelle Jolly (the others are Yuri Royale and Pudding). Has been a little disappointing so far this preparation. Prefer to watch him go around.

2. Silent Sovereign (10)

Has drawn the outside barrier. Resumed for 5 lengths 4th in the Queen Of the South and has good soft track form. Not the worst.

3. My Khalifa (1)

He has won 2 of his last 4 starts and has drawn to do no work. Weakened steadily for 3.4 lengths 5th over 1600m at Morphettville where it appears he didn’t get the distance. Seven of his wins are over 1400m and that is his best distance. Looking to others.

4. So Si Bon (2)

One of 2 runners sired by So You Think (the other is Party Princess). He ran 3rd in a BM 100 Handicap over 1600m at Sandown Hillside last start on soft going behind Gunstock. Place chance.

5. Lord Vladivostok (7)

He won this race in 2021. One of 2 runners sired by Tavistock (the other is Pudding). He has a good record at this track and distance and has won on soft going. One of the main chances.

6. Yuri Royale (6)

Hasn’t won this campaign but has placed in two runs from five starts. Place at best.

7. Pudding (3)

Ran 3rd on a soft track at this course and distance last start. Hasn’t won here in 5 outings. Looking to others.

8. Lomax (8)

Was a surprise winner at this track and distance last start after dropping out to a clear last then motoring home late to get there on the line. A repeat of that performance would see him in the finish.

9. Foxy Frida (4)

On this day last year she won the Listed Centaurea Stakes. She won the Bendigo Gold Bracelet before 0.5 length 2nd in the Queen Of The South 2 weeks ago. Likes the cut in the ground and looks a winning chance.

10. Party Princess (5)

On a seven day back-up after a 3 length win in the Listed Adelaide Guineas. She drops 4kg from that run and if the track was good she would be my top pick. She has been on soft going 5 times for a 2nd and a 3rd so I’m only tipping her for a place.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
9 Foxy Frida
5 Lord Vladivostock
10 Party Princess
4 So Si Bon

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Foxy Frida
2nd	4 So Si Bon	2.3 lengths
3rd	10 Party Princess	2.7 lengths
4th	5 Lord Vladivostok	4.5 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

There were no scratchings.