R N Irwin Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 15 runners for the 2024 R N Irwin Stakes with 7 geldings, a stallion and 7 mares. There are six 4YOs, seven 5YOs and two 7YOs. Two runners had their last start in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 23rd March (won by Imperatriz), two in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 24th February  (won by Snapped), two in the Listed Hills Railway Stakes over 1100m at Oakbank  on 30th March (won by Celsius Star) and two in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap over 1200m at Flemington on 9th March (won by Cylinder), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Headwater. Trainers, James Cummings, Richard & Chantelle Jolly and Anthony & Sam Freedman have 2 runners each.

The early favourite is Benedetta who was 4th in the Newmarket last outing and has won 6 of her 12 starts. Second favouritism is shared between Hypothetical who was 6th to Imperatriz in the William Reid, and Climbing Star who was a 2.8 length winner of the Listed Matrice Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville last start. Kallos won this race last year, while Queman has won 2 of his 3 starts this preparation and has a great record at this track. All other runners are currently $18 or longer.

1. Kallos (12)

Last year’s winner and one of 2 runners trained by James Cummings (the other is Athelric). Finished 3.3 lengths 9th in the Group 1 The Galaxy over 1100m at Rosehill last start. In the mix.

2. Queman (2)

Has won 2 of his 3 starts this preparation and has a great record at this track. Genuine chance.

3. Athelric (3)

Hasn’t won for a while. Prefer others.

4. Bank Maur (10)

Prefer over further.

5. Picargo (4)

Travelled poorly and finished 8 lengths 14th in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 24th February  (won by Snapped), where the stewards queried the run. Is better than that.

6. Karacasu (15)

Resumes from a 25 week spell and generally goes well fresh. Has a good record at this track and distance and could surprise.

7. Lonrodex (7)

Runner-up in the Listed Hills Railway Stakes over 1100m at Oakbank  on 30th March (won by Celsius Star). Not the worst.

8. Press Down (9)

Will run his usual honest race.

9. Skew Wiff (5)

Only beat one runner home in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap over 1200m at Flemington on 9th March (won by Cylinder). Not keen.

10. Benedetta (11)

Was 4th in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap last outing and has won 6 of her 12 starts. Can figure in the finish.

11. Hypothetical (14)

Ran 6th to Imperatriz in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 23rd March. Place chance.

12. Aitch Two Oh (13)

Has 5 wins from her 13 starts and won the Listed Durbridge Stakes at this track and distance 2 starts back. Place chance.

13. Climbing Star (6)

This Zoustar mare was a 2.8 length winner of the Listed Matrice Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville last start. Rates highly again.

14. Snapped (8)

Was a 1.3 length winner of the City Of Marion Stakes last start and has won 2 from 2 at this track. Chance.

15. Mouse Almighty (1)

Drawn ideally but this looks too hard.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
13 Climbing Star
10 Benedetta
1 Kallos
14 Snapped

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Benedetta
2nd	13 Climbing Star	0.4 length
3rd	8 Press Down	1.4 lengths
4th	14 Snapped	2.2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 15. Mouse Almighty.