Scenic Blast Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a small field of 8 runners lining up for the $125,000 Scenic Blast Stakes with 5 geldings and 3 mares. There are three 5YOs, three 6YOs,  one 7YO and one 9YO. Four runners had their last start in the Listed Miss Andretti Stakes over 1100m at Ascot on 14 January, including the three that ran the trifecta, while the other four came via different races. Trainers Simon A. Miller and Chris & Michael Gangemi have two runners each.

The early favourite is Miss Andretti Stakes winner How’s The Serenity who has won 9 of her 21 starts. Second favourite is Phanta who resumes after 20 weeks and goes well first-up. Third favourite is Acromantula who is likely to lead or box seat. Express Time ran 2nd in the Miss Andretti while Long Beach ran 3rd. The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. How’s The Serenity (5)

She has won both starts this campaign. Led all the way to win the Summer Scorcher over 1000m by 1.3 lengths when resuming from a spell on 1 January, then led all the way again to win the Listed Miss Andretti Stakes over 1100m by 1.4 lengths on 14 January. Loves this track and is a winning chance again.

2. Express Time (8)

This mare has won 11 of her 32 starts. She peeled 4 wide on the turn and chased solidly to finish 1.4 lengths 2nd in the Miss Andretti. Can place.

3. Acromantula (1)

Has 6 wins and 6 places from 18 starts and 17 starts were at this track. Ran 3rd in the Summer Scorcher then was 2.4 lengths 4th over 1000m at Ascot on 7 January. Will probably lead or box seat and William Pike takes the reins. Serious player.

4. Angelic Miss (6)

Resumed for 11th of 13 in the Listed Jungle Mist Classic over 1200m at Ascot on 19 November then hasn’t raced in the last 10 weeks so there may have been issues. Prefer to watch her go around.

5. Carocapo (2)

This nine-year-old resumed from a spell to run equal 3rd in the Summer Scorcher, then 2.8 lengths 5th in the Miss Andretti. Not the worst.

6. Kenyluck (7)

Unplaced in all 5 runs this preparation. Looking elsewhere.

7. Long Beach (4)

Good run from back in the field for 3rd in the Miss Andretti. Wouldn’t surprise to see him place.

8. Phanta (3)

Has won 5 of his 14 starts. Resumes here from a 20 week spell and won a recent trial at Belmont. Could surprise.

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