Scone Cup - 2023 - Back A Winner

Scone Cup 2023 Race Details

Race 7 at Scone Racecourse on Friday the 12th of May 2023.

The 2023 Scone Cup is a Listed race held at Scone Racecourse and is run over 1600 metres. It is run under quality handicap conditions. The total prize money is $200,000 this year.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the Scone Cup page.

Scone Cup 2023 Preview

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

There are 16 runners plus 4 emergencies for this years Cup. There are 19 geldings and one mare with six 5YOs, seven 6YOs, three 7YOs, two 8YOs and two 9YOs. Six of them had their last start in the Tamworth Cup over 1400m on 15 April, three in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Cup over 1600m on 22 April and two in a BM 100 Handicap over 1400 at Rosehill on 29 April, while the rest all came via different races. Trainer Chris Waller has 3 runners, while Kris Lees, Annabel Neasham, Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes and Cody Morgan all have 2.

The early favourite is Banju who resumed from an 8 week let-up with a 1.1 length win in the Tamworth Cup. Second favourite is Jojo Was A Man who finished 3rd in the Hawkesbury Cup. Third favourite is Wild Planet who resumed for 5th over 1200m on a heavy track. Sunshine Rising has placed in 3 of 4 starts this campaign. Bold Mac was a close 3rd on a heavy track last start, while Luncies is resuming after 23 weeks. The other runners are $14 or more and there are many chances.

2023 Scone Cup Runner by Runner

1. Sunshine Rising (7)

This 9YO has placed in 3 of 4 starts this campaign, all at Group 3 level, before striking interference when 6th in the Group 3 JRA Plate over 2000m at Randwick on 15 April. Consistent without winning and can make his presence felt.

2. Berdibek (18)

Trained by John O’Shea who won this race with Cameo in 2014. Resumed for 3 lengths 5th in the Hawkesbury Cup. Drawn very wide and doesn’t do well on soft tracks. Prefer others.

3. Banju (12)

Resumed from an 8 week let-up with a 1.1 length win in the Tamworth Cup to make it 4 wins from his last 5 starts. Aaron Bullock has had success on him before and he looks a winning chance here.

4. Luncies (5)

One of 2 runners for Kris Lees (the other is Acquitted) who won this race with Rustic Steel last year. Resuming after 23 weeks and won a recent trial. Place chance.

5. Bartholomeu Dias (14)

One of 2 runners for Annabel Neasham (the other is Hasabro). Resuming from a 20 week spell and will be heading for longer races.

6. Jojo Was A Man (19)

Was wide throughout but battled on to finish 3rd in the Hawkesbury Cup. Has won on soft and heavy going and has the speed to over come the wide draw. Not the worst.

7. Aleas (6)

One of 3 runners for Chris Waller (the others are Bigboyroy and Bold Mac). First-up after 17 weeks and goes well fresh. In the mix.

8. Bigboyroy (17)

First-up after 16 weeks and drawn very wide. Prefer others.

9. Wild Planet (1)

One of 2 runners for Team Hawkes (the other is Superium). He is one of only 2 runners to have won at the track before (the other is Commando Hunt) and he’s drawn the inside barrier. He resumed for 5th over 1200m at Randwick on a heavy track in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes on 15 April and generally improves second-up. Jockey Tim Clark was won this race before on Pajaro in 2016 and on Sedanzer in 2018. Has plenty in his favour and should go well.

10. Cisco Bay (4)

Resumed for 6th in the Tamworth Cup after being taken back from a wide barrier. Goes well on a softer track. Chance.

11. Superium (13)

Hasn’t shown his best this campaign. Looking elsewhere.

12. Commando Hunt (16)

Won the Muswellbrook Cup then finished 3rd in the Tamworth Cup. Expecting a bold showing.

13. Hasabro (3)

Has finished well back at both starts this campaign. Prefer others.

14. Rebel Rama (8)

The only mare in the race this year. Was last home when resuming. Looking to others.

15. Wild Chap (2)

On a 7 day back-up after running 3 lengths 6th in the Listed Wagga Cup. Not the worst.

16. Acquitted (9)

Won at Wyong before finishing well back at Hawkesbury. Chances improve the wetter the track is.

17e. Alcyone (20)

Chased hard for 4th at Rosehill last start and ready to peak 3rd up. Jockey Sam Clipperton has won this race twice in the last decade. The widest barrier is no help.

18e. Criaderas (15)

One of 2 runners for trainer Cody Morgan (the other is Ligulate). Finished worse than midfield when resuming in the Tamworth Cup but placed at a recent trial.