Victoria Gold Cup – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

A small field of 7 stayers have accepted for the $175,000 Victoria Gold Cup, with 6 geldings and one mare. There are three 6YOs, two 7YOs, one 8YO and a 9YO. Two runners had their last start in a BM 100 Handicap over 1800m at Sandown Hillside on 4 February, and 4 of the runners are first-up from a spell. Trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace and Danny O’Brien have 2 runners each.

The early favourite is Right You Are who has won his last 3 starts. Second favourite is Saracen Knight who resumes from a 20 week spell and won the last 2 starts of his campaign. Third favourite is High Emocean who ran 3rd in the 2022 Melbourne Cup. The other runners are currently $10 or more.

1. Vow And Declare (7)

The 2019 Melbourne Cup winner hasn’t started since 26 November 2022, when he was a 1.5 length winner of the Group 2 Zipping Classic over 2400m at Caulfield. Has never won first-up, but keep an eye on the market.

2. Amade (2)

Hadn’t raced for over a year when he resumed in a BM 100 Handicap over 1800m at Sandown Hillside on 4 February. Finished well back in 8th. Blinkers come off for the first time. Prefer others.

3. High Emocean (1)

Resuming after running 3rd in the 2022 Melbourne Cup. Has placed in 3 of 5 first-up runs. Each-way chance.

4. Midnight Blue (4)

Finished 4.5 lengths 7th in the Group 3 2022 Geelong Cup over 2400m. Resumes here after 18 weeks and looks safely held.

5. Saracen Knight (3)

Resumes from a 20 week spell. Finished last campaign with a 2.8 length win in the Listed R.M. Ansett Classic over 2400m at Mornington on 24 September, then a 1.3 length win in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over 2400m at Caulfield on 8 October. Should go well.

6. Right You Are (5)

Race-fit gelding that has won his last 3 starts. The latest by over 4 lengths over 1800m at Sandown Hillside on 4 February. Leading chance.

7. Stars Of Carrum (6)

Came from the tail of the field with an eye-catching run to finish 1.6 lengths 4th in the Listed Premier’s Plate over 2019m  at Morphettville on 11 February. Can make his presence felt.

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