Red Roses Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There is a full field of 16 plus 3 emergencies for the 2023 Red Roses Stakes. Two runners had their last start in the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes over 1200m at Randwick on 28th October, two in the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude over 1400m at Caulfield  on 14th October, two in a 3YO Fillies Plate over 1200m at Caulfield on 14th October and two in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes over 1100m at Flemington on 7th October, while the rest came via different races. Four runners are sired by Zoustar. Tony & Calvin McEvoy have 2 runners.

The betting is very open. The early favourite is Mumbai Muse who won the Brian Crowley but has drawn the widest barrier here..  Second favouritism is shared between Saltaire who just missed in the William Crockett at Moonee Valley, and Cigar Flick who was an unlucky 4th in the Danehill. Heart of Glass won her only start by almost 5 lengths. All other runners are currently $12 or more.

1. Bossy Nic (17)

One of 2 runners for Tony & Calvin McEvoy (the other is Heart Of Glass). She resumed for 3rd in the Group 3 Scarborough Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 29th September then ran 4.5 lengths 6th in the Group 2 Thousand Guineas Prelude over 1400m at Caulfield  on 14th October where she got too far back. Not the worst.

2. Shesallshenanigans (12)

She has 4 wins and a place from her 9 starts. At her latest start she ran 2.5 length 4th  in a 3YO Fillies Plate over 1200m at Caulfield on 14th October where she was outkicked. Place chance.

3. Saltaire (5)

Just missed in the Listed William Crockett Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 28th October. Got crowded at the start and arguably could have won. One of the chances.

4. Mumbai Muse (19)

Won the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes over 1200m at Randwick on 28th October which was her first win. Tommy Berry sticks. A winning chance again.

5. Appin Girl (14)

Finished 3 length 6th in a Fillies Plate at Caulfield after being slowly away then held up from the 400-150m. Forgive her that run. In the mix.

6. Princess Duhallow (6)

Won the Listed Festival of Racing over 1000m here back in March, but her 4 runs since then suggest she will struggle in this.

7. Fire Lane (10)

Faded to finish 6th in the Brian Crowley. This looks too tough.

8. Inhibitions (18)

One of 4 runners sired by Zoustar (the others are Mumbai Muse, Hearcomesthestar and Queen Starlight). Struck interference at the start and finished 5th in the Thousand Guineas Prelude after finishing in the trifecta at all 4 runs before that. Place chance.

9. Cigar Flick (8)

Finished 2.1 lengths 4th in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes over 1100m at Flemington on 7th October after being steadied near the 400m and should have finished 3rd. Can surprise.

10. Aditi (16)

Led for most of the way before fading for 4.4 lengths 7th in the Listed Reginald Allen Quality over 1400m at Randwick on 14th October. This distance looks more suitable but place at best.

11. Red Dates (11)

Winner of her last 2 starts at Benalla and Sale. Chance.

12. Honor Galore (2)

Battled on for 3 lengths 8th in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes. Rough chance

13. Excess (1)

Has a win and a close 2nd from her 2 starts. Drawn the rails and looks to be one of the chances here.

14. Aviatress (13)

Unbeaten in both runs in South Australia. Right in this.

15. Hearcomesthestar (9)

Settled well back before making steady ground for 3rd at Ballarat when resuming. Not the worst.

16. Heart Of Glass (4)

Won her only start by almost 5 lengths. Don’t dismiss.

17e. Queen Starlight (3)

Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman runner with a win and a place from 2 starts.

18e. Brazen Style (7)

Two runs for a win at YareaValley and 4th at Werribee.

19e. Zarkana (15)

Not here.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Lewis Oliver’s Tips
3 Saltaire	3 Saltaire
4 Mumbai Muse	16 Heart Of Glass
13 Excess	13 Excess
14 Aviatress	9 Cigar Flick

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Mumbai Muse
2nd	3 Saltaire	0.75 length
3rd	5 Appin Girl	1.15 lengths
4th	14 Aviatress	2.65 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 17e. Queen Starlight, 18e. Brazen Style, 19e. Zarkana.