VRC Winter Championship – 2023

Track: Good-Soft Weather: Fine

A strong field has been assembled for the Listed Winter Championship Final.  Most of these had their last start in either the Swan Hill Cup or one of the 1400m lead up events run here over the past month.  Ciaron Maher and David Eustace saddle up two runners including the race favourite Charterhouse who ran a lovely closing third here at his Australian debut.  Jimmy The Bear looks close to another win and trainer Patrick Payne add the blinkers for the first time for his grand final.  Unusual Culture has won three of her last four, while King Magnus rarely runs a bad race.  The remaining runners are longer than $10-1.

1. King Magnus

Has won his last two after returning from a lengthy lay off.  Maps in the perfect spot to run well again.

2. Frankie Pinot

Getting deep into the prep now but he’s racing super well with out winning.  Look for him flying late.

3. Charterhouse

Got back and worked home very nicely at his Australian debut here four weeks ago.  1600m and the booking of Blake Shinn are two huge ticks.  The market hasn’t missed him but he looks to have a great each way chance.

4. Junipal

There was nothing wrong with his first up effort here.  Fitter for that and gets J Allen on for the apprentice.  Roughie with a chance.

5. So Si Bon

Has been up for ever but continues to run well.  Place chance.

6. Keats

Has started shorter than $5 and been beaten less than three lengths in each of his last three starts.  Can now have $14 with no weight on his back.

7. Jimmy The Bear

Has been getting back and working home well.  Looks to have been set for this.  Fourth up, good gate, blinkers and the senior rider on.

8. Our Playboy

Is racing below his best and doesn’t look likely to get his favoured soft conditions.

9. Bermadez

Hasn’t been at his best this prep but is another that could end up with the right run here.  Place chance at odds.

10. Bullfinch

Was a big improver here second up.  Not sure he has the class to be winning this.

11. Riddle Me That

Can’t recommend.

12. Unusual Culture

Had the right run in transit to win here last start.

13. Packing Waltham

Was a big flashing light run here first up then started $2.70 in the Swan Hill Cup where he looked the winner before peaking on his run?  Back to the jump outs since.  Can make a case that he should be shorter here.

14. Daytona Bay

Outclassed.

15. Logan Street Lion  – SCRATCHED

16. Beehunter

Was one of the few runners to make up ground outwide here on June 17 and his three runs prior were all very good.  Will need luck but is a roughie with a chance.

17e. Riverplate – 1st Emerg

The scratching of Logan Street Lion ensures he gets a run.  Was a good winner first up at Sandown and drops sharply in weight for this.

18e. Flash Feeling

Form is not strong enough.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
3 Charterhouse	12 Unusual Culture
13 Packing Waltham	1 King Magnus
7 Jimmy The Bear	3 Charterhouse
6 Keats	6 Keats

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Riddle Me That
2nd	3 Charterhouse	1.25 lengths
3rd	2 Frankie Pinot	2.75 lengths
4th	12 Unusual Culture	2.85 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 5. So Si Bon, 15. Logan Street Lion, 17e. Riverplate.