R M Ansett Classic 2023 Race Details
Race 7 at Mornington Racecourse on Saturday the 30th September 2023.
The R M Ansett Classic is a Listed race held at Mornington Racecourse over 2400 metres. It is run under handicap conditions. The total prize money is $175,000 this year.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the R M Ansett Classic page.
R M Ansett Classic 2023 Preview
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.
R M Ansett Classic 2023 Runner by Runner
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.
R M Ansett Classic 2023 Tips
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 |
Previews for other races this week
Group 1 Moir Stakes 2023 (Moonee Valley 1000m) – Friday
Group 2 Stutt Stakes 2023 (Moonee Valley 1600m) – Friday
Group 2 Stocks Stakes 2023 (Moonee Valley 1600m) – Friday
Group 3 Scarborough Stakes 2023 (Moonee Valley 1200m) – Friday
Group 1 Epsom Handicap 2023 (Randwick 1600m)
Group 1 The Metropolitan 2023 (Randwick 2400m)
Group 1 Flight Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1600m)
Group 2 Premiere Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1200m)
Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1000m)
Group 3 Breeders’ Plate 2023 (Randwick 1000m)
Listed Dulcify Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1600m)
Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes 2023 (Belmont 1200m)
Group 3 Sandown Stakes 2023 (Sandown Hillside 1500m) – Sunday
R M Ansett Classic 2023 Race Results
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.