SA Fillies Classic – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the SA Fillies Classic. Three of the runners had their last start in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks over 2000m at Morphettville on 29 April,  two in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes over 2000m at Morphettville on 29 April, while the rest all came via different races. Two runners are sired by Sacred Falls and two by Pierro. Trainers Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Let’sbefrankbaby who won over 2080m at Cranbourne last start and has won 2 from 3 this preparation. Second favourite is Moya Lass who ran home strongly from last for 2.4 lengths 6th in the Australasian Oaks. Third favourite is Whakamana who finished 7th in that race. Whispering Lady kept working from the back for 4th in the Chairman’s Stakes, while Ravin finished 6th in that race. The rest of the runners are currently over $12.

1. Let’sbefrankbaby (9)

One of 2 runners for Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock (the other is Stormy Grey). She won over 2080m at Cranbourne last start and has won 2 from 3 this preparation. In great form and should feature in the finish.

2. Anphina (4)

Did well when 1.4 lengths 4th in the Group 3 Auraria Stakes over 1800m, then covered a lot of ground when 6 lengths 11th in the Australasian Oaks. Not the worst.

3. Whakamana (7)

One of 2 runners in the race sired by Sacred Falls (the other is November Falls). She finished 7th in the Australasian Oaks after drifting back to 11th then battled away for 7th in a grinding effort that makes t look like she’ll get the distance. In the mix.

4. Moya Lass (8)

Ran home strongly from last for 2.4 lengths 6th in the Australasian Oaks. That was a big effort and she looks a winning chance here.

5. Stormy Grey (6)

Won a 2520m Maiden Plate by 3.5 lengths on soft going at Cranbourne on 5 May at her 3rd race start. Callan Murray sticks and she is one of the chances.

6. Whispering Lady (1)

Nicely drawn in barrier 1. She kept working from the back for 4th in the Chairman’s Stakes and looks like a major player.

7. La Gioia (2)

One of 2 runners in the race sired by Pierro (the other is Ravin). Followed a win in a Sale maiden with 2nd over 1850m at Stawell in a BM 58 Handicap. This is much harder.

8. November Falls (5)

Led all the way to win by over 3 lengths over 2000m at Albury last start. Could surprise.

9. Monks (10)

Returns from a seven week let-up. Looks tested.

10. Wanda’s Outlaw (13)

Finished 5th over 2025m at Cranbourne last outing. Has drawn the outside barrier and looks safely held.

11. One Last Kiss (12)

Won a 2100m Maiden Plate at Ballarat last outing at her 7th race start. This is much harder.

12. Ravin (11)

Trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) who won this race last year with The Amazonian. Finished 6th in the Chairman’s Stakes and is one of 2 runners who are still maidens. Unlikely.

13. Savsonic (3)

The other maiden runner. Looking to others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Moya Lass
1 Let’sbefrankbaby
6 Whispering Lady
5 Stormy Grey

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Let’sbefrankbaby
2nd	4 Moya Lass	0.2 length
3rd	3 Whakamana	1.4 lengths
4th	11 One Last Kiss	1.6 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

Scratchings: 9. Monks.