2023 SAJC Lightning Stakes Race Details
Race 8 at Morphettville on Saturday 29th July 2023.
The SAJC Lightning Stakes is a Listed race held at Morphettville racecourse over 1050 metres. It is for two-year-old and three-year-old horses and is run under set weights conditions. The total prizemoney is $120,000 this year.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the SAJC Lightning Stakes page.
SAJC Lightning Stakes 2023 Preview
Track: Soft Weather: Fine
With the early scratchings of River Noire and Spicy Margs, 16 runners remain for the 2023 Lightning Stakes with 11 fillies and 5 geldings. There are 13 3YOs and 3 2YOs. Five of the runners won their last start. Five runners had their last start in a 3YO BM 68 Handicap over 1000m at Morphettville Parks on 15 July, while the rest all came through different races. Two are sired by Rich Enuff. Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea have 4 runners and Jon O’Connor has 2.
The early favourite is two-year-old filly Exploring who resumed from a 17 week spell for a 0.5 length win over 1000m at Flemington. Second favourite is another 2YO Outback Miss who has had 2 starts for 2 wins – one by 3 lengths and the other by 2 lengths. Third favourite is La Danseuse Rouge who resumes after 18 weeks and has run well with the sting out of the ground. Sweetened is having her first run for a new trainer and has 2 wins from 9 starts. The rest of the runners are currently over $12.
2023 SAJC Lightning Stakes Runner by Runner
1. Declared (7)
This gelding has 3 wins and 4 places from 10 starts. He has good form on soft going and has won previously at this track and distance combination.Gets the in-form Jason Holder. Should go well.
2. Social Conscience (12)
Back from a 19 week spell, but did win first-up last campaign. Could struggle from the wide barrier, but not without a hope.
3. Ice Symphony (2)
Finished 2.4 lengths 4th last start at Morphettville Parks on a soft track when resuming. Should race on the speed and rates highly with Jake Toeroek retaining the ride. In the mix.
4. Wally West (4)
One of 2 runners for Jon O’Connor (the other is Rockstar Meggsy). He has a win and 4 placed from 5 starts this preparation and was a close 2nd last start. Place chance.
5. Nostryia (5)
He has only started twice and won on debut then faded in the final 100m to finish 5th last start. Will be fitter for that run.
6. La Danseuse Rouge (13)
Resumes after 18 weeks. Placed in two Group 3 races in the spring and looks to have a touch of class about her. Keep a watch for any betting moves.
7. River Noire (18) – SCRATCHED
8. Bubble Palace (10)
She has 3 wins and a place from 9 starts. Won’t be far away.
9. Sweetened (8)
One of 4 runners for Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea. Will won this race as a sole trainer with Extremely Lucky in 2022 and Beau Rossa in 2021. This Zoustar filly is having her first run for this stable and has several gear changes. In the mix.
10. Run Like Hell (9)
Unbeaten in both runs and coming off a 5 length win over 1000m at Donald on a heavy track. Harry Grace rode her for both those wins. Commands respect.
11. Rockstar Meggsy (3)
Has had 6 runs this campaign for one place. Looking to others.
12. Boognish (6)
Loved her debut win at Murray Bridge but she didn’t come on as expected when 2.4 lengths 5th over 1000m at Morpettville Parks last start. Place chance.
13. Floral Oasis (1)
Drawn the rails but this looks too tough.
14. Sixteen Reasons (11)
She was runner-up in 4 of her 6 starts in her first campaign, then resumed from a 12 week spell for a very nice win over 1100m at Gawler on soft going. It wouldn’t surprise to see her in the finish.
15. Exploring (17)
The Godophin runner has the visitor’s draw of the outside barrier. She gave nothing else a chance when resuming at Flemington and has the speed to overcome the barrier. The 2YO fillies carry 5 kg less than the 3YO fillies and she is one of the main chances.
16. Outback Miss (16)
She debuted with a 3 length win over 1000m at Bendigo on a Heavy 8, then followed up with a 2 length win over 1000m at Caulfield on a Soft 6. Drawn very wide but is a winning chance.
17. Spicy Margs (14) – SCRATCHED
18. Mintulee (15)
Led throughout for a dominant win at her only start at Gawler on a Heavy 10. Chance.
SAJC Lightning Stakes 2023 Tips
The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.
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Jo Jackson’s Tips
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| 1 Declared |
Previews for other races this week
2023 SAJC Lightning Stakes Results
| Result | Horse | Margin |
| 1st | 6 La Danseuse Rouge | |
| 2nd | 9 Sweetened | 0.7 length |
| 3rd | 12 Boognish | 0.9 length |
| 4th | 14 Sixteen Reasons | 3 lengths |
The track was rated as Soft 6.
Scratchings: 7. River Noire, 10. Run Like Hell, 15. Exploring, 16. Outback Miss, 17. Spicy Margs.
Exploring was a late scratching on vet’s advice at the barriers.