Sale Cup – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There are 9 runners for the 2023 Sale Cup with 8 geldings and one mare. There is one 4YO, six 6YOs, one 7YO and one 8YO. All runners came though different races. The early favourite  is Maktoob who won over 1700m at Caulfield 2 weeks ago  Second favourite is Rubamos who was a close 3rd in the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes last start. Third favourite is Keats who resumes from a 13 week spell and won his only previous start at this track. Deepstrike has been racing at metropolitan level. All other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Riyazan (1)

Has finished well back at all 3 starts this preparation in Melbourne. Gets blinkers on for the first time and has drawn the rails, but still looks unlikely.

2. Rubamos (8)

He was a close 3rd in the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield last start in his first run in the Melbourne direction. Should be fitter third-up and rates highly.

3. Keats (5)

Resumes from a 13 week spell and won his only previous start at this track. In the mix.

4. Deepstrike (6)

Has been racing at metropolitan level. Comes back in distance after a 9 week let-up. Place hope.

5. Maktoob (3)

Won over 1700m at Caulfield 2 weeks ago and was 3rd at Flemington the start before. Comes back to country level and shoud fight out the finish.

6. Starspangled Baby (9)

She was a narrow winner over 1500m at Mornington before 7th over 2025m in the Pinker Pinker Plate at Cranbourne.Back in distance suits and she could place.

7. Flying Basil (2)

Finished last over 1600m at Moonee Valley when resuming and normally needs his first couple of runs. Prefer others.

8. Seafield Road (7)

Led over 1740m at Sale on 11th October before fading in the final 200m to finish 9th. Hard to get enthused.

9. Fine Weather (4)

First-up from a 16 week spell. Unlikely.

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

The track was rated as –

Scratchings: