Robert Sangster Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners for the Robert Sangster Stakes with two 3YOs, six 4YOs, four 5YOs and two 6YOs. Two of the runners had their last start in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic over 1500m at Rosehill on 11 March, two in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 24 March and two in the Group 3 R N Irwin Stakes over 1100m at Morphettville Parks on 22 April, while the rest all came via different races. Trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have 3 runners and Chris Waller has 2 runners.

It is a very strong race this year as five of the runners are already Group 1 winners (Bella Nipotina, Roch ‘N’ Horse, Marabi, September Run and Espiona) plus another four are Group 2 winners (Zapateo, Passive Aggressive, Chain of Lightning and Seradess). The betting is fairly open and the early favourite is Bella Nipotina who followed 2nd in the William Reid with 0.6 length 3rd in The Quokka on 15 April. Second favourite is Passive Aggressive who has won 5 of her 7 starts. Third favourite is Zapateo who has won her last 2 starts at Group 3 and Group 2 level. September Run was 4th in the William Reid after being held up, and was 3rd in this race last year. Marabi has won 7 of her 9 starts, while Espiona won the Coolmore Classic last start. The rest of the runners are currently over $12.

1. Bella Nipotina (5)

One of 3 runners for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace (the others are Marabi and Ruthless Dame). Followed 2nd in the William Reid with 0.6 length 3rd in The Quokka over 1200m at Ascot in Western Australia on 15 April. One of the main chances.

2. Roch ‘N’ Horse (9)

Ran 3rd in the William Reid then finished well back in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes at Randwick on 15 April, where the 1400m looked too far for her. Should improve back to her favourite distance.

3. Marabi (7)

Has won 7 of her 9 starts. She resumed after 47 weeks to run 3.5 lengths 8th in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning on 18 February where she over-raced then has had an 11 week break. Prefer to see.

4. Zapateo (11)

This Godolphin mare has 7 wins and 4 places from 16 starts and has won her last 2 starts. She was a 1.2 length winner of the Group 3 Birthday Card over 1200m at Rosehill on 18 March, then was a 2.4 length winner of the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes over 1200m at Randwick on 8 April. Handles all types of going and is in-form. Winning chance.

5. September Run (14)

Finished 3rd in this race last year and is one of 2 runners for Chris Waller (the other is Espiona).  Was 4th in the William Reid last start after being held up and checked. She’s drawn the widest barrier but it would be no surprise to see her in the finish again.

6. Passive Aggressive (1)

She has won 5 of her 7 starts and has drawn the inside barrier here. Fought hard for a narrow win in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes over 1000m ar Randwick on 4 March, then was winded and had enough at the 200m and finished 8.5 lengths 11th in the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes over 1200m at Randwick on a Heavy 9 track on 1 April. In the mix.

7. Espiona (10)

Going for a hat-trick here after winning the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes over 1400m at Sandown on 25 February, then the Group 1 Coolmore Classic last start. She’s been kept fresh for this and could show up.

8. Chain Of Lightning (8)

Finished in the back half of the field in the Newmarket Handicap then the William Reid. Has struggled at Group 1 level so prefer others.

9. Literary Magnate (3)

Resuming here from a 23 week spell. Goes well first-up and handles rain-affected going. Not the worst.

10. Seradess (2)

Has a great record at this track. Steps up to Group 1 level for the first time and is a sneaky place chance.

11. Diamonds (6)

Goes well at this track and distance but is taking a huge class rise here. Has a good finishing burst and can make her presence felt.

12. Another Award (13)

Worked home well to grab 3rd in the R N Irwin last start. This looks too strong.

13. Ruthless Dame (12)

She has 2 wins and 2 places from 5 starts. Could surprise.

14. I’mlovin’ya (4)

Resumed for a 1.7 length win in the Listed Redelva Stakes over 1100m at Morphettville Parks on 22 April. That was a good win and she may have come back stronger this campaign. Rough chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Zapateo
1 Bella Nipotina
3 Marabi
5 September Run

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	13 Ruthless Dame
2nd	12 Another Award	0.7 length
3rd	4 Zapateo	0.9 length
4th	8 Chain Of Lightning	0.9 length

The track was rated as Soft 7.

There were no scratchings.