Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 11 runners for the $125,000 Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic with 3 geldings, one colt and 7 fillies. Three runners had their last start in the Group 3 W.A. Champion Fillies Stakes  over 1600m at Ascot on 18th November, and two in the Listed Placid Ark Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 18th November, while the rest came via different races. Four runners are sired by Playing God. Trainers Simon A.Miller and Luke Fernie both have 3 runners.

The early favourite is Augment who has 2 wins and 4 places from her 6 starts and finished 0.9 length 3rd in the Placid Ark. Second favourite is Investmentstrategy won the Listed Fairetha Stakes after being near the lead all the way on a leaderish day then ran 5th in the Group 2 WA Guineas. Third favourite is Stormchaser who has won his last 2 starts at Belmont and Bunbury. Generosity ran 3rd in the Champion Fillies. The other runners are currently $10 or longer.

1. Investmentstrategy (5)

This colt won the Listed Fairetha Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 11th November then put in a solid performance for 5th in the Group 2 WA Guineas over 1600m at Ascot on 25th November. He’s on a 7 day back-up and looks well-placed.

2. On Patrol (7)

Finished 10th in the Fairetha and only has one win from 11 starts. Looking to others.

3. Stormchaser (2)

One of  3 runners for trainer Luke Fernie (the others are Dreamers Never Die and Rissoles). He won at Belmont on 23rd August then was spelled. He resumed for a win at Bunbury on 22nd November. Looks to have ability and wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish here.

4. Dreamers Never Die (4)

Ran 3rd at Bunbury last outing. This is much harder.

5. Augment (3)

One of 3 runners for Simon Miller (the others are Brave Strike and Generosity). She has 2 wins and 4 places from her 6 starts and finished 0.9 length 3rd in the Listed Placid Ark Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 18th November. Major chance.

6. Brave Strike (6)

Finished 8th in the Group 3 W.A. Champion Fillies Stakes  over 1600m at Ascot on 18th November. Hasn’t placed in 3 runs this time in. Looking to others.

7. Generosity (10)

Ran 3rd in the Champion Fillies. Place chance.

8. Miss Rockjoy (11)

Finished 2nd in the Champion Fillies. Has been going really well this campaign and is in with a chance.

9. Playing Games (9)

One of 4 runners sired by Playing God (the others are Investmentstrategy, Red Tori and Rissoles). Finished 7th in the Placid Ark. Untested at this distance. Unlikely.

10. Red Tori (1)

Won last start to break her maiden at Ascot and drawn perfectly. Place chance.

11. Rissoles (8)

She’s only had one start where she finished a length behind the winner over 1011m at Bunbury on 22nd November. This is a lot stronger.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Augment
3 Stormchaser
8 Miss Rockjoy
1 Investmentstrategy

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Investmentstrategy
2nd	7 Generosity	0.19 length
3rd	3 Stormchaser	1.43 lengths
4th	5 Augment	1.57 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.