Roma Cup – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Fifteen runners have accepted for the Group 3 Roma Cup with 12 geldings and 3 fillies. There are four 3YOs, one 4YO, two 5YOs, seven 6YOs and one 7YO. Seven of the runners had their last start in the Rock Magic Stakes over 1000m at Ascot on 18 March, two in the Listed Bunbury Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 11 March, two in the Group 3 The Gold Rush over 1400m at Ascot back on 10 December 2022 and three in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 3 December 2022. Three of the runners are sired by Playing God. Trainers Chris & Michael Gangemi and Steve Wolfe have 2 runners each.

The early favourite is 3YO filly Amelia’s Jewel who has won 6 of her 7 starts, including the Group 2 W.A. Guineas and the Group 1 Northerly Stakes. Second favourite is Red Can Man who ran 2nd in this race last year.  Third favourite is Bustler who has 4 wins and a place from his 6 starts. Comfort Me resumes after 16 weeks and has won both his trials.  Revitup won her latest trial by 3.4 lengths, while Resortman generally goes well first-up. All other runners are currently $15 or more.

1. Massimo (6)

One of two runners for Chris & Michael Gangemi (the other is Titan Blinders). Ran 4 lengths 7th in the Rock Magic stakes when resuming. Has multiple wins at the track but prefer him at the 1400m range.

2. Comfort Me (8)

One of three runners sired by Playing God (the others are Bustler and Baby Paris). Resumes after 16 weeks and has won both his trials. Expecting him to run well.

3. Red Can Man (4)

One of two runners for trainer Steve Wolfe (the other is Beads). Ran 2nd in this race last year. Resumed from a spell for 2nd in the Rock Magic and won’t be far away in the run.

4. Resortman (5)

Generally goes well first-up but might need a little more distance.

5. Titan Blinders (1)

Was 3rd in the Bunbury Stakes last start, less than a length behind Burnya To Survive. Has drawn the inside barrier and can make his presence felt.

6. Startrade (7)

First-up after a 17 week spell and usually needs his first run back.

7. Acromantula (14)

Led all the way to win the Rock Magic Stakes by 1.3 lengths last start. Has 7 wins at this track and should run well again.

8. Mood Swings (11)

Finished 3.2 lengths 4th in the Rock Magic. Gets blinkers on for the first time. Prefer others.

9. Beads (3)

All 5 wins have been over 1000m. Appears tested.

10. Excellent Dream (15)

Only beat one runner home in the Rock Magic and has drawn the widest barrier. Looking elsewhere.

11. Halatorion (10)

Finished midfield last start in the Bunbury Stakes and returns to a shorter trip. Prefer others.

12. Bustler (13)

Has 4 wins and a place from his 6 starts. Resumes from a 17 week spell and has won both previous first-up starts. Can surprise.

13. Amelia’s Jewel (2)

Has won 6 of her 7 starts, including the Group 2 W.A. Guineas and the Group 1 Northerly Stakes. She resumes here after 17 weeks and is a winning hope.

14. Revitup (9)

Won her latest trial by 3.4 lengths. She has 6 wins and 5 places from 12 starts. Her only “failure” was a 4th. Should run well first-up after 15 weeks.

15. Baby Paris (12)

Has 4 wins and 3 places from 7 starts. Finished 3rd in the Rock Magic after beginning awkwardly. Place chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
13 Amelia’s Jewel
3 Red Can Man
2 Comfort Me
14 Revitup

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	13 Amelia’s Jewel
2nd	3 Red Can Man	1.09 lengths
3rd	7 Acromantula	2.28 lengths
4th	4 Resortman	2.46 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.