TTC Newmarket Handicap – 2023

With the early scratching of Hellova Night, 12 runners remain for the TTC Newmarket Handicap. There are two four-year-olds, two five-year-olds, four six-year-olds, three seven-year-olds and one nine-year-old. Four runners had their last start in a Quality Handicap over 1100m at Hobart on 11th November that was won by Hellove Night, while the rest came via different races. Trainer John Keys has 3 runners while John Blacker and Glenn Stevenson both have two.

The early favourite is Rebel Factor who has won 7 of his 12 starts. He is resuming from a 15 week spell and won first-up at Launceston last campaign. Second favourite is Alpine Wolf who resumes after 15 weeks and has good first-up statistics. Third favourite is Turk Warrior who is also resuming and has won both his trials. Galenus was a close 2nd at Hobart when resuming, and has won 6 of 10 at Launceston. All other runners are currently $10 or longer.

1. Oxley Road (13)

One of 3 runners for trainer John Keys (the others are Galenus and Street Tough).He resumed from a 36 week spell to finish less than 2 lengths 6th behind Hellova Street at Hobart. Drawn the outside barrier but has the speed to overcome that. Place chance.

2. Indispensable (6)

Has been racing in Queensland and resumes from an 8 week let-up for new trainer John Blacker (his other runner is Fake Magic). Hasn’t raced here before and goes well on soft and heavy tracks. Chance.

3. Turk Warrior (2)

Also resuming and has won both his trials. He has a great record here with 5 wins and 3 places from 9 starts. One of the main chances.

4. Rebel Factor (9)

Has won 7 of his 12 starts. He is resuming from a 15 week spell and won first-up at Launceston last campaign. Has been trialling well and is one of the chances.

5. Alpine Wolf (3)

Ran 3rd in this race last year. Resumes after 15 weeks and has good first-up statistics.

6. First Accused (4)

Ran 2nd in this race last year and 3rd in 2021. Finished 7th behind Hellova Night when resuming but is proven on soft tracks and has claims.

7. Jaja Chaboogie (5)

Has had a 7 week let-up after running last in the Group 2 Blazer Stakes over 1400m at Flemington. Should race on the speed and will go better here.

8. Galenus (12)

Was a close 2nd at Hobart when resuming, and has won 6 of 10 at Launceston. Goes well on Good or Soft going and David Pres sticks. Capable of winning this.

9. Hellova Night (10)  – SCRATCHED

10. Hype (7)

Back from a 13 week break after racing in Brisbane. Not the worst.

11.Street Tough (1)

This 9YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. He ran 3rd in this race in 2020. Gets the inside barrier and could place.

12. Fake Magic (8)

Has 2 from 2 at this track. Won’t be far away in the run.

13. Jaguar Stone (11)

Jut missed at this track when resuming from a 29 week spell. Sneaky chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
8 Galenus
3 Turk Warrior
4 Rebel Factor
13 Jaguar Stone

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 First Accused
2nd	7 Jaja Chaboogie	0.8 length
3rd	13 Jaguar Stone	1.2 lengths
4th	3 Turk Warrior	1.4 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratching: 9. Hellova Night.