Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There is a field of 14 runners remaining for the $200,000 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap following the early scratching of Espiona. It has 11 geldings, a stallion and 2 mares. There are three 4YOs, five 5YOs, four 6YOs, one 7YO and one 8YO. Trainer Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) have 4 runners. Nine runners are first-up from a spell and three had their last start in the Listed Elms Handicap over 1400m at Flemington on 18 February.

The early favourite is Ayrton who has 6 wins from 13 starts and resumes after an 18 week spell. Second favourite is Scallopini who won The Elms Handicap last start. Third favourite is Visinari who has a good record at the distance and is first-up after 17 weeks. Savannah Cloud has been going really well this campaign, while Worsfold won his first 2 starts this campaign before 2nd at Moonee Valley last start. All other runners are currently $12 or more.

1. Scallopini (15)

Won The Elms Handicap last start. Carries the same weight and drawn wide again. Has 2 from 2 at this track & distance and is one of the main chances.

2. Earlswood (5)

Last campaign he only had 2 start and finished last both times. May have had problems. Prefer to see.

3. Just Folk (4)

Resumes after 16 weeks and has yet to win at Flemington in 5 starts here. Prefer over longer.

4. Ayrton (9)

Has 6 wins from 13 starts and resumes after an 18 week spell. He has great first-up starts 4 wins and a 2nd from 5 first-ups. Looks well placed here and can win this.

5. Our Playboy (11)

These look to have his measure.

6. Daisies (8)

One of 2 mares in the race. Hasn’t won at this track or this distance. Prefer over further.

7. Espiona (14)  – SCRATCHED

8. Visinari (3)

Has a good record at the distance and is first-up after 17 weeks. Should make his presence felt.

9. Not An Option (1)

Drawn the inside barrier. Finished 2.5 lengths 4th in The Elms. Rough place chance.

10. Riddle Me That (10)

Resumes after a 23 week spell and can run well fresh. Not the worst.

11. Biometric (7)

Finished 2nd in The Elms. Goes well at this track and distance. Place chance.

12. Savannah Cloud (6)

Has been going really well this campaign with 4 wins , 3 places and 2 4ths from 9 starts. Place chance.

13. Captain Envious (2)

Stayer resuming. Looking to others.

14. Life Lessons (13)

She has 3 wins and 2 places from 6 starts. Back froma 10week let-up and could surprise.

15. Worsfold (12)

Won his first 2 starts this campaign before 2nd at Moonee Valley last start. One of the main chances.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
15 Worsfold	4 Ayrton
4 Ayrton	8 Visinari
1 Scallopini	15 Worsfold
11 Biometric	1 Scallopini