Tobin Bronze Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 14 three-year-olds for the Tobin Bronze Stakes with 4 geldings and 10 fillies. Five of the runners had their last start in the Listed Redelva Stakes over 1100m at Morphettville Parks on 22 April and two had their last start in the VOBIS Gold Dash over 1200m at Sandown Hillside on 15 April, while the rest all came via different races. Two runners are sired by Shalaa. Trainers Peter Moody, Ciaron Maher & David Eustace and Matt Laurie have 2 runners each.

The early favourite is She Dances who was a very impressive 5.5 length winner of the VOBIS God Dash last start. Second favourite is Wee Nessy who has been runner-up at her last 3 starts with the latest in the Group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint over 1200m at Randwick on 8 April. Third favourite is Royal Merchant who has placed at her last 3 starts including a close 2nd in the Listed H C Nitschke Stakes over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 22 April. Shuffle Dancer won 2 in a row before 4th in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes over 1600m at Flemington on 11 March where it looked a little too far for her. The rest of the runners are currently $10 or more.

1. Renosu (14)

This Godolphin runner finished 4th in the Redelva after a tough run. Has drawn the widest barrier but has enough speed to overcome that. Should run well again.

2. Shalaman (11)

One of 2 runners for trainer Matt Laurie (the other is Tropicconi) and one of 2 runners sired by Shalaa (the other is Seven Veils). Struck interference at the start and becoming unbalanced before finishing 4th in the VOBIS Gold Dash. Having his first Group run and looks safely held.

3. Press Down (7)

Won over 1050m at Morphettville on 1 April, then ran 3rd in the Redelva. Wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

4. Klabel (10)

Led from start to finish for a 1. length win over 1250m at Morphettville Parks on 22 April. This is a huge rise in grade but might be worth putting in the exotics.

5. Wee Nessy (1)

This filly has been runner-up at he last 3 starts, including at Group 2 level last outing. Serious player.

6. Shuffle Dancer (6)

One of 2 runners for Peter Moody (the other is She Dances). She has won 3 of her 7 starts and is coming back in distance here after an 8 week let-up. Can make her presence felt.

7. She Dances (2)

Cruised away for a 5.5 length win in the VOBIS Gold Dash last start and has won 4 of her last 6 races. Hard to beat.

8. Seven Veils (8)

One of 2 runners for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace (the other is Royal Merchant). Ran on strongly from the back half of the field as the widest runner to grab 2nd in the Redelva. The extra distance suits and she is a place chance.

9. Royal Merchant (4)

Has placed at her last 3 starts and was held up to just miss in the Nitschke where she looked unlucky not to have won. One of the major chances.

10. Little Miss Kubi (5)

Won the Listed Manihi Classic over 1100m at Morphettville on 1 April. An improving filly that could get into the placings.

11. Grey River (13)

Resumed after 21 weeks for 6th in the Redelva. Not the worst.

12. Hope At Hand (9)

Has a good record at the track. In the mix.

13. Tropicconi (12)

Finished well back at both starts this preparation. Looks safely held.

14. Sweetened (3)

Comes off a 1200m win at Sale and should be fitter third-up. Sneaky place chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 She Dances
6 Shuffle Dancer
9 Royal Merchant
5 Wee Nessy

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	9 Royal Merchant
2nd	7 She Dances	0.3 length
3rd	8 Seven Veils	0.8 length
4th	5 Wee Nessy	1.1 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 1. Renosu, 2. Shalaman.