Ted Van Heemst Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a small field of 6 runners for the $300,000 Ted Van Heemst Stakes with 5 geldings and one mare. There are 2 five-year-olds, one six-year-old, 2 seven-year-olds and one eight-year-old. Four runners had their last start in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 9th December won by Dom To Shoot,  while the other 2 came via different races.

The early favourite is Zoumon who finished 9th in the Northerly Stakes and goes well at this distance range. Second favourite is Numerian who was 7th in The Beauford over 2300m last outing. Third favourite is Casino Seventeen who finished 4 lengths 10th in the Northerly, while Marocchino was the early leader and ran 7th. The other 2 runners are currently $8 or longer.

1. Numerian (2)

Was 7th in The Beauford over 2300m at Newcastle on 18th November last outing.

2. Zoumon (6)

finished 9th in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m at Ascot on 9th December and goes well at this distance range.

3. Marocchino (3)

The likely leader who can roll to the front in this small field and dictate terms. If he gets away he’ll be hard to run down.

4. Startrade (5)

Ran 7th in the Listed GA Towton Cup over 2200m on 9th December.

5. Casino Seventeen (4)

finished 4 lengths 10th in the Northerly,

6. The Velvet Queen (1)

Was held up at times when 14th in the Northerly.

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

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.