The Bart Cummings – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Following the early scratchings of Fancy Man and Carini, there are 18 acceptances for the 16 spots in the 2023 Bart Cummings. There are 15 geldings,two stallions and one mare with six 4YOs, five 5YOs, three 6YOs, two 7YOs, one 8YO and one 9YO. Five of them had their last start in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes over 2000m at Caulfield on 23rd September, five in a Quality Handicap over 2500m at Flemington on 16th September, two in the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality over 2400m at Rosehill on 23rd September, two in the Listed Wyong Cup over 2100m on 1st September and two in a 1700m Handicap at Flemington  on 16th September, while the rest came via different races. Three runners are sird by Galileo and two each by Almanzor and Camelot. Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have 5 entries, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have 3 and Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have 2.

The early favourite is First Immortal who was an emergency but will get a run with the scratchings. He has won 3 of his last 4 starts and will be hard to beat. Second favourite is Goldman who has 5 wins from 9 starts with 2 of those wins on soft going. Third favourite is Athabascan who is going for a hat-trick after winning the Listed City Tatts Club and the G3 Colin Stephen Quality. Serpentine has run well at both starts this campaign, while Shaiyhar has won 4 of his 8 starts. All other runners are currently $14 or more.

1. Ashrun (18)

Interesting runner who ran 10th in the 2020 Melbourne Cup. He changed trainer to Ciaron Maher & David Eustace in May 2023 and resumed after 149 weeks (almost 3 years) to run 3.8 lengths 7th over 1700m at Flemington on 16th September. Not expecting him to win but will certainly be watching to see what he does.

2. Goldman (2)

He has 5 wins from 9 starts with 2 of those wins on soft going. Finished 3.5 lengths 6th in the Naturalism second-up and is good for further. Serious contender.

3. Sheraz (4)

Worked home out wide from the tail of the field to finish 3.8 lengths 8th in the Naturalism. Place chance.

4. Serpentine (15)

Has run well at both starts this campaign and should go well again.

5. Sir Lucan (13)

Run down late to finish 4th by less than a length in the Colin Stephens. Won’t be far away in the run.

6. Virtuous Circle (6)

Chased solidly for 9th in the Naturalism and should handle the extra distance.

7. Athabascan (14)

Going for a hat-trick after winning the Listed City Tatts Club and the G3 Colin Stephen Quality. Solid chance.

8. High Emocean (19)

The only mare in the race this year. Gets blinkers back on. Outside chance.

9. Hopeful (10)

Looks tested.

10. Alaskan God (1)

Finished 3rd in the Naturalism and has drawn the rails. Place chance.

11. Amade (5)

Has to lift on form.

12. Fancy Man (16)  – SCRATCHED

13. Hasta La War (12)

Has started this campaign off poorly. Prefer others.

14. Interpretation (17)

Placed in 2 of 3 starts this campaign. Not the worst

15. Future History (3)

Just missed when heavily backed over 2040m at Moonee Valley last start. Rough chance.

16. Mostly Cloudy (9)

Won by 2 lengths in a quality handicap at this track and distance on 16th September. Wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

17. Carini (11)  – SCRATCHED

18. First Immortal (20)

Was an emergency but will get a run with the scratchings. He has won 3 of his last 4 starts and will be hard to beat. Has 3 wins at Flemington and is one of the main chances.

19. Shaiyhar (7)

Has won 4 of his 8 starts, with wins between 2000m and 2900m. Chance if he gets a run.

20. United Nations (8)

Finished 3rd behind Mostly Cloudy last start. Not the worst.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips	Lewis Oliver’s Tips
18 First Immortal	18 First Immortal
16 Mostly Cloudy	3 Sheraz
7 Athabascan	2 Goldman
3 Sheraz	6 Virtuous Circle

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	15 Future History
2nd	18e First Immortal	0.75 length
3rd	4 Serpentine	2 lengths
4th	16 Mostly Cloudy	2.1 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 12. Fancy Man, 13. Hasta La War, 17e. Carini, 20e. United Nations.