Thousand Guineas Prelude – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

The three year old fillies races are often tricky contests to work out but I thought the Thousand Guineas Prelude was one of the races of the day.  There are seventeen acceptors and plenty of different betting angles.  At the time of writing Inhibitions, Lovely Lookin’ and Coeur Volante are all vying for favoritism.  The remaining horses are $10-1 or longer.

1. Lazzago

Was held up for a stride or two in the Scarborough Stakes last start then hit the line well enough for fourth.  In the mix.

2. Bossy Nic

She ran well for third beaten a length in the Scarborough first up.  Strips fitter here and has to be some chance.

3. Coeur Volante

Thought here win in the Scarborough was outstanding.  Had to duck back to the inside but that was soft on the line.  Barrier 17 isn’t ideal here but the field could easily bunch and she could sprint straight over the top of them.

4. Zourion

Kiwi who was sixth in the Scarborough first up.  Strips fitter but does need to find a few lengths.

5. Oz Empress

She won the Jim Moloney here last start after getting map favours.  I’d be shocked if that form holds up.  One I’m keen to oppose.

6. Zoukerette

Was seventh in the Jim Moloney last start.  Maps for a nice run.

7. Azula

Resumes   Won twice in frist prep before a failure in the JJ Atkins.  Resumes off two good trials and has Tim Clark in the saddle.  Wary of her.

8. Inhibitions

Very consistent customer trained by James Cummings.  I think she is pretty exposed now but is a place chance again here.

9. Rose Of Shalaa

Won the Gold Strike at Warrnambool during their May carnival and certainly wasn’t disgraced first up in the Cap D’Antibes at a huge price.

10. Apache Song

Was heavily backed in a Moe maiden first up and absolutely walked in.  Has been backed to the jump outs since and jumped out well.  In the mix.

11. Nodachi

She’s been running well with out winning.  Keeps Lane for this.

12. Lovely Lookin’

Lightly raced South Australian who absolutely bolted in at Morphettville last start.  Looked like she had more to come through the line there as well.  Maps to tuck in behind and get a lovely trail from eight.  Can see why the market has warmed to her early.

13. Vivy Air

She won a strong bm64 at Seymour first up.  Getting to 1400m suits.  She’s defintely got some talent and is a knock out chance at odds.

14. Moesha

Loved her win two back at Hamilton beating subsequent winner Ode To Joy.  Then was luckless last start in a race at Sandown which has produced some really strong form.  Would have loved to see her draw in a few spots from 13 but I’m pretty keen she runs well here at double figure odds.

15. Floozie

Started short odds and cleaned up a maiden field with ease last start at Mornington.  I’d say she needs to find a few lengths off that.

16. Matawai

First up for Price and Kent.  She won a maiden in New Zealand by 2.3 lengths in September at her only start.  Wary.

17. Stellar Mofeed

Deep into prep and not good enough.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
12 Lovely Lookin	8 Inhibitions
’14 Moesha	12 Lovely Lookin
3 Coeur Volante	3 Coeur Volante
7 Azula	5 Oz Empress

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Coeur Volante
2nd	13 Vivy Air	1.25 lengths
3rd	4 Zourion	1.35 lengths
4th	14 Moesha	3.1 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4

Scratchings: 6. Zoukerette, 11. Nodachi, 15. Floozie.