Raconteur Stakes – 2023

2023 Raconteur Stakes Race Details

Race 10 at Belmont Racecourse on Saturday 3rd June 2023.

The Raconteur Stakes is a Listed race held at Belmont racecourse over 1400 metres. It is for three-year-olds and is run under set weights plus penalties conditions. The total prizemoney is $125,000 this year.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the Raconteur Stakes page.

Raconteur Stakess 2023 Preview

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There are 11 runners for the Raconteur Stakes this year with 7 fillies and 4 geldings. Four runners had their last start in a 3YO Plate over 1200m at Belmont on 20 May while the rest all came via different races. Six of the field are last-start winners, and 3 runners have previously won at this track and distance combination. Two runners are sired by Flying Artie. Trainer Stephen Miller has 2 runners.

The early favourite is Vast Art who has won his last 2 starts at Ascot then Belmont. Close behind in the betting is Rusty Dreams who has 4 wins from 5 starts and won her last race at this track and distance on 13 May. Third favourite is Rear Admiral who also has 4 wins from 5 starts. Bonjoy won by 1.4 lengths over 1200m at Belmont when resuming on 17 May, while Saintorio resumes after 16 weeks and is the only runner in the race who is first-up from a spell. The other runners are currently $10 or more.

2023 Raconteur Stakes Runner by Runner

1. Saintorio (6)

One of 2 runners for trainer Stephen Miller (the other is Pearly Nuggett). He resumes from a 16 week spell after running 2 lengths 3rd in the Listed Challenge Stakes over 1500m at Ascot on 11 February. Has a good record at the track and is a place chance.

2. Vast Art (1)

One of 2 runners sired by Flying Artie (the other is Amjaad). He got there in the final strides for a 0.2 length win over 1400m at Ascot on 6 May, then took over at the 175m for a 1.5 length win over 1600m at Belmont on 20 May. Drawn barrier 1 and is one of the main hopes. Jockey Clint Johnston-Porter has ridden him for his last 2 starts and rode the winner of this race last year.

3. Upper Limits (9)

Resumed from a 26 week spell for 0.4 length 2nd to Arid in a 3YO Plate over 1200m. He’s only missed a trifecta spot once in 8 starts, and that was in the Group 2 WA Guineas. Can place.

4. Exceltrain (11)

Won at this track and distance last start to give him his 2nd win at start number 4.William Pike sticks and it would be no surprise to see him in the finish.

5. Rusty Dreams (4)

She won her last race at this track and distance on 13 May to give her 4 wins from 5 starts. Capable of winning this.

6. Rear Admiral (5)

Another filly with 4 wins from 5 starts. She had her first defeat when 3rd behind Arid last start. Untested over 1400m and not sure the extra distance will suit.

7. Arid (8)

Arrived late for a 0.4 length win over 1200m at Belmont last start under a great ride by William Pike. Has a change of jockey here but is in the mix.

8. Pearly Nuggett (3)

Got the campaign off to a strong start winning over 1200m at Ascot when fresh but finished six lengths 7th behind Arid last start at Belmont. Looks safely held.

9. Arcadia Star (2)

Nicely bred filly from the Michael Grantham stable. Michael won this race with Devoted last year. She won over 1700m at Belmont on 17 May and is coming back in distance. Place chance.

10. Bonjoy (7)

Resumed from a 26 week spell to win by 1.4 lengths over 1200m at Belmont at her first run at the track. Won second-up last campaign and should run well.

11. Amjaad (10)

Finished 2 lengths 4th at this track and distance on 24 May at her first run after changing trainers from Simon A Miller to Indianna Weinert. Not out of it.