The Metropolitan Handicap 2023 Race Details

Race 9 at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday the 30th of September 2023.

The Metropolitan Handicap is a Group 1 race held at Randwick Racecourse and is run over 2400 metres. It is for horses aged three-years-old and older and is run under open handicap conditions. The total prize money is $750,000 this year.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the Metropolitan Handicap page.

Metropolitan Handicap 2023 Preview

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Just Fine dominates the market and hard to see it getting beaten off the back of two very impressive wins. Mr Waterville comes from the Waller yard and was solid fresh. Benaud is hard to catch but does get barrier 1 and the services of Jamie Kah. Major Beel should land on the speed and prove hard to hold out while Cleveland will be doing his best work late.

Metropolitan Handicap 2023 Runner by Runner

1.Knights Order (6)

Can’t have.

2. Navajo Peak (15)

Prefer others.

3. Cleveland (13)

He’s over the odds in this. Was given none with the ride last start and has had excuses his past few runs. If they over do it up front he can absolutely take this out and is very good place odds at the $5.00 mark currently.

4. Major Beel (5)

Another one over the odds. Can land up on the speed and is a consistent operator suited by the booking of Tim Clark.

5. Bois D’argent (10)

Can’t have.

7. Manzoice (7)

Been waiting for it to lift this prep. Prefer others.

8. Spirit Ridge (14)

Racing in good fashion and should be able to sit up on the speed and give a kick. Top 3 chance.

9. Ho Ho Khan (12)

Can’t have.

10. Kalapour (3)

Comes out of a lesser depth race but it was a sound effort. Should get a nice run in transit but may find these too slick.

11. Torrens (11)

Loves this track and trip so wouldn’t surprise at the $126 mark. Keep safe.

12. Benaud (1)

He has been hard to catch but is putting it together this prep. Has options from the draw and Kah does the steering.

13. Military Mission (18)

Mixing form this prep but the last start win was solid. Can roll forward from barrier 18 but may use some fuel doing so. Top 4 chance.

14. Just Fine (2)

Deserving favourite off the back of 2 very good wins. Maps well, gets in light and does look the most progressive of this lot, albeit has drifted out to the right price now.

15. Al Abir (8)

Racing well and should get a good toe into it. Did a bit wrong last start but goes in the mix.

16. Future History (16)

Hasn’t been far away all prep and goes in the mix against these but will need some luck from the barrier.

17. Mr Waterville (9)

Good effort last start and the stable need to be respected with the placement here. Suited by the rise in trip and this race suits. Big chance.

18. Wineglass Bay (4)

Can’t have.

6. Hosier (17) – scratched

Metropolitan Handicap 2023 Tips

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

Bryce Parker’s Tips
Jo Jackson’s Tips
14 Just Fine 14 Just Fine
3 Cleveland 17 Mr Waterville
8 Spirit Ridge 8 Spirit Ridge
13 Military Mission 12 Benaud

Previews for other races this week

Group 1 Moir Stakes 2023 (Moonee Valley 1000m)  – Friday

Group 2 Stutt Stakes 2023 (Moonee Valley 1600m)  – Friday

Group 2 Stocks Stakes 2023 (Moonee Valley 1600m)  – Friday

Group 3 Scarborough Stakes 2023 (Moonee Valley 1200m)  – Friday

Group 1 Epsom Handicap 2023 (Randwick 1600m)

Group 1 Flight Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1600m)

Group 2 Premiere Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1200m)

Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1000m)

Group 3 Breeders’ Plate 2023 (Randwick 1000m)

Listed Dulcify Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1600m)

Listed R M Ansett Classic 2023 (Mornington 2400m)

Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes 2023 (Belmont 1200m)

Group 3 Sandown Stakes 2023  (Sandown Hillside 1500m)  – Sunday

Metropolitan Handicap 2023 Race Results

Result Horse Margin
1st 14 Just Fine
2nd 8 Spirit Ridge 0.16 length
3rd 10 Kalapour 4.46 lengths
4th 13 Military Mission 5.53 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 1. Knights Order, 6. Hosier, 16. Future History.