R.S. Crawford Stakes – 2023

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are 10 runners for the R.S. Crawford Stakes this year. There are 8 geldings and 2 mares with three 4YOs, three 6YOs and four 7YOs. Two runners had their last start in the Nicopolis Stakes over 1200m at Belmont on 16th September, while the rest came via different races. Four are resuming. Two runners are sired by Written Tycoon. Trainers Chris & Michael Gangemi have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Red Can Man who resumes after 23 weeks and goes well first-up. Second favourite is Acromantula who has been racing in Melbourne and won the Listed Carlyon Stakes over 1000m at Moonee Valley 3 starts back. Third favourite is Baby Paris who won the Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes over 1200m at Belmont last start. My Bella Mae resumed for 5th in the Jolly Beggar Stakes where she didn’t handle the soft going, while Hot Zed resumes after 24 weeks and has 7 wins at Ascot. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Hot Zed (4)

Resumes after 24 weeks and has 7 wins at Ascot. He finished 1.5 lengths 4th in this race last year. Capable of placing.

2. Acromantula (7)

One of 2 runners sired by Written Tycoon (the other is Go Forward). He has been racing in Melbourne and won the Listed Carlyon Stakes over 1000m at Moonee Valley 3 starts back. He finished 9 lengths 8th in the Group 1 Moir Stakes last start. He has 8 wins at this distance and will be given every opportunity by William Pike.

3. Man Crush (2)

Resumes from an 18 week spell. Appears tested.

4. My Bella Mae (1)

Resumed for 5th in the Jolly Beggar Stakes over 1000m at Belmont where she didn’t handle the soft 6 going, She has won a trial since then and has won 5 of 6 at Ascot. Leading contender.

5. Long Beach (6)

One of 2 runners for Chris  Michael Gangemi (the other is Go Forward). Won the Jolly Beggar Stakes on 2nd September then came from last to run 3rd in the Nicopolis Stakes on 16th September. Not the worst.

6. Baby Paris (8)

She had no luck when resuming in the Jolly Beggar Stakes, then won the Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes over 1200m at Belmont last start. Has very strong form at Ascot and will make her presence felt.

7. Red Can Man (5)

Resumes after 23 weeks and goes well first-up. Won a recent trial at Lark Hill. One of the main chances.

8. River Beau (9)

Back from a 31 week spell and has a win from two trials. Prefer others.

9. Puli (10)

Likes to lead and has a good record at the distance. Is unplaced in 5 runs at Ascot though, so looking elsewhere.

10. Go Forward (3)

Resumed for 4th over 1000m at Belmont. Winkers go back on. Place chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 My Bella Mae
7 Red Can Man
2 Acromantula
6 Baby Paris

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Red Can Man
2nd	4 My Bella Mae	0.51 length
3rd	1 Hot Zed	0.67 length
4th	10 Go Forward	1.69 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.