Seymour Cup – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Two years ago Mr Brightside won this race. It’s a big occasion for the Seymour Racing Club with the running of their Cup returning to their track for the first time in four years. This year there are 11 runners for the 2023 Seymour Cup with 10 geldings and one mare. There is one 4YO, four 5YOs, three 6YOs, two 7YOs and one 8YO. Two runners had their last start in the Gold Nugget over 1600m at Ballarat on 22nd September while the rest all came though different races. Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have 3 runners.

The early favourite is Golden Path who is the youngest runner this year and has 2 wins and 2 places from his 5 starts. The second favourite is Flash Flood who won 3 races in a row earlier this preparation. Third favourite is Excelleration who resumes from a 36 week spell and goes well first-up. Place Of Gold is a last-start winner over 1600m at Moonee Valley, while Ascension won the Gold Nugget last start. All other runners are currently $9 or longer.

1. Ascension (10)

One of 3 runners for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace (the others are Flash Flood and Junipal). He won the Gold Nugget last start when second-up and normally goes well third-up. One of the main chances.

2. Midnight Blue (3)

Stayer resuming after 30 weeks. Normally needs his first-up run. Wait for him over further.

3. Flash Flood (2)

Won 3 races in a row earlier this preparation.Two starts back he finished 2nd to Soulcombe in the Listed Heatherlie Handicap over 1700m where he only went down in the last 50m. Should be in the finish.

4. Junipal (6)

Only beat one home in the Gold Nugget last start but he has cardiac arrhythmia so there was an excuse. This is his best distance. Could place.

5. Teewaters (11)

Back from a let-up and has drawn the outside barrier. Needs a few starts to show his best and is better over more distance.

6. Lyrical Lad (8)

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

7. Excelleration (7)

Resumes from a 36 week spell and goes well first-up. Placed in last trial at Ararat and could surprise.

8. Golden Path (5)

This 4YO is the youngest runner this year and has 2 wins and 2 places from his 5 starts.He sped out to the lead in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes last start but was no match for Antino late and finished 2.9 lengths 4th. He’ll be fitter third-up and was a 3.2 length winner of the Silver Bowl Series Final over this distance at Flemington at his only other third-up start.

9. Chandon Burj (4)

The only mare in the race this year. She has placed at her last 2 starts, both over 2000m at Caulfield and returns to a shorter trip. Not the worst.

10. Place Of Gold (1)

A last-start winner over 1600m at Moonee Valley and has drawn the rails. Serious contender.

11. Station One (9)

Coming back from a 13 week break after a couple of poor runs. Unlikely.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Bryce Parker’s Tips
10 Place Of Gold	8 Golden Path
3 Flash Flood	3 Flash Flood
8 Golden Path	4 Junipal
1 Ascension	5 Teewaters

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	4 Junipal
2nd	9 Chandon Burj	1.25 length
3rd	1 Ascension	1.35 length
4th	3 Flash Flood	3.85 length

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 7. Excelleration, 10. Place Of Gold.