Southern Cross Stakes – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Good

Plenty to learn in this years edition with 4 of the 5 chances well in the market resuming. Espiona has class and she is more than up to these. It will be interesting to see what the tactics are with the steer from barrier 1. Gravina will be running on hard and gets the services of James Mcdonald while Quantico should enjoy the dry ground and has a booming turn of foot. Titanium Power brings in the race day fitness and Mr Mozart is good enough to win this fresh if ready to go.

1. Hard Empire (11)

Prefer others.

2. Mr Mozart (7)

Mr Mozart goes amongst the best chances in this race. Proven at this level and above. Should be able to camp midfield and try and mow them down late. The price is fair and it has large claims in this field.

3. Gravina (4)

Should be hitting the line hard and J-Mac is a positive booking. Gravina can be hard to catch and needs things to go right for it but is good enough to win this.

4. Swats That (3)  – SCRATCHED

Runs well fresh and will have its chance from the kind draw. Doesn’t win out of turn but has been contesting in harder races than this. Major player against these.

5. Quantico (2)

Has a booming turn of foot and can give this race a shake from the kind draw. The stable are in good form and dry footing should really suit this gelding. Keep an eye on the market for it.

6. Stampe (10)

Prefer others.

7. Titanium Power (9)

Brings the fitness and Tim Clark steering is a good booking. Expect a positive ride and with fitness on its side can pinch this race with most of the main chances resuming. Well tried in early doors and should continue to firm.

8. Ranch Hand (8)

Usually takes a run to get into things. Worth following later on in the prep.

9. Written Beauty (6)

Was hard to catch last prep but jumpouts have been sound. Maps for a kind run. Keep an eye on the markets.

10. Espiona (1)

She has plenty of class and can win this fresh. Pike will need to be good from barrier 1 with her running pattern but weighted extremely well against this lot and if on song will take a stack of beating here. The $4.60 is fair with the map being the main issue.

11. Testator Silens (5)

This looks too tough.

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

Bryce Parker’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 Titanium Power	3 Gravina
10 Espiona	10 Espiona
2 Mr Mozart	7 Titanium Power
3 Gravina	5 Quantico