R M Ansett Classic – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There are 9 runners for this year’s race. There are 8 geldings and one mare with two 6YOs, four 7YOs, one 8YO and two 8YOs. Two runners had their last start in a BM 100 Handicap over 2040m at Moonee Valley on 9th September and two are on a 6 day back-up after running in a BM 70 Handicap over 2550m at Flemington on 24th September, while the rest all came through different races. Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Born A King who finished 2nd at his only previous attempt at the distance and finished a close 3rd behind Young Werther over 2040m at Moonee Valley last start. Second favourite is Regal Power who won his only previous race at this distance, and was less than 5 lengths from the winner in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes over 2000m at Caulfield last Saturday. Third favourite is Dick Whittington who has won 3 of his last 4 starts – all over 2200m on the Pakenham synthetic. Maserartie Bay has had a 5 week let-up and can run well, while Queen Takes King has had 2 races after a 63 week spell and can improve 3rd-up. The rest of the runners are currently $10 or more.

1. Regal Power (3)

Won his only previous race at this distance, and was less than 5 lengths from the winner in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes over 2000m at Caulfield last Saturday. Gets topweight of 60kg which is 6 kg more than most of the field and may feel the weight towards the end. He’s won prizemoney of $4.5 million and has to be included in the chances.

2. Rebel Racer (2)

Has failed to beat a runner home in his 2 starts this preparation. Appears safely held.

3. Maserartie Bay (9)

One of 2 runners for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. He has won 3 from 4 starts at this distance. Has had a 5 week let-up and can run well

4. Born A King (7)

Chris Waller runner that finished 2nd at his only previous attempt at the distance and finished a close 3rd behind Young Werther over 2040m at Moonee Valley last start. One of the main chances.

5. Stafford’s Lad (6)

This 9YO has struggled in all four runs so far this campaign and ran eighth last start over 2500m at Flemington. Looking elsewhere.

6. Queen Takes King (1)

The only mare in the race. She has had 2 races after a 63 week spell and can improve 3rd-up. Respect.

7. Dick Whittington (5)

He has won 3 of his last 4 starts – all over 2200m on the Pakenham synthetic. Commands serious thought.

8. Never Again (8)

On a 7 day back-up after jumping awkwardly then getting too far back before finishing 7th over 2550m at Flemington. Not the worst.

9. Savvy Valentino (4)

Staying bred and has 4 wins over this distance. Was another who got too far back in the same race as Never Again last start and finished 6th of 13. Don’t dismiss.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Born A King
7 Dick Whittington
6 Queen Takes King
3 Maserartie Bay

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Born a King
2nd	1 Regal Power	0.1 length
3rd	2 Rebel Racer	0.6 length
4th	6 Queen Takes King	0.8 length

The track was rated as Good 3.

There were no scratchings.