WATC Challenge Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 10 runners for the 2024 Morley Growers Market Challenge Stakes with 5 geldings, 2 colts and 3 fillies. Two runners haven’t started for 11 weeks after running in the Listed Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic over 1400m at Ascot on 2nd December (won by Investmentstrategy), two had their last start in the Listed WA Breeders’ Classic over 1208m at Bunbury on 4th February (won by Petula) and two in a 3YO No Metro Wins race over 1300m at Belmont on 7th February (won by Cool Memory) while the rest came via different races. Trainers Grant & Alana Williams and Sean & Jake Casey have 2 runners each.

The early favourite is Investmentstrategy who has had a let-up since winning the Lee-Steere on 2nd December. Second favourite is A Lot Of Good Men who finished 6th in the Breeders’ Classic and has placed at Group 2 level. Third favourite is Russian To The Bar who has won both his starts this preparation and has the inside barrier. Memory Parade is a last start winner at Ascot, while Royal Toronado has 2 wins and 2 places from his 5 starts. All other runners are currently $12 or longer.

1. Investmentstrategy (3)

This Playing God colt has had a let-up since winning the Listed Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic over 1400m at Ascot on 2nd December. Has 4 wins and 2 places from 8 starts and is one of the key chances.

2. A Lot Of Good Men (5)

Finished 6th in the Listed WA Breeders’ Classic over 1208m at Bunbury on 4th February and has placed at Group 2 level over 1600m. One of the main chances.

3. Ancient Guidance (9)

Has got off to a poor start this campaign but won 3 races last preparation. Prefer others.

4. Royal Toronado (8)

One of 2 runners for Grant & Alana Williams (the other is Buckets Ridge). He has 2 wins and 2 places from his 5 starts. Ran a close 2nd to Cool Memory in a 3YO No Metro Wins race over 1300m at Belmont on 7th February when resuming after 19 weeks. Wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

5. Cool Memory (7)

Hard ridden to just beat Royal Toronado last outing. Place chance.

6. Russian To The Bar (1)

He has won both his starts this preparation and has the inside barrier. Has been winning well and is going for a hat-trick here. Genuine contender.

7. Buckets Ridge (4)

Finished 11th over 1400m at Belmont when resuming but won both races last preparation. This looks too strong.

8. Memory Parade (2)

One of 2 runners for Sean & Jake Casey (the other is Princess In Red). She was a last start winner over 1400m at Ascot to give her 2 wins and a 2nd from her 3 starts. Has done everything right so far and could be in the finish.

9. Miss Rockjoy (6)

Resumes from an 11 week let-up and has placed at Group 3 and Listed level. Not the worst.

10. Princess In Red (10)

Won over 1200m at Ascot on 3rd February to break her maiden at only her 2nd start. She had the best closing splits of the race but this is a big rise in class. Could place.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Investmentstrategy
2 A Lot Of Good Men
8 Memory Parade
6 Russian To The Bar

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Russian To The Bar
2nd	1 Investmentstrategy	0.84 length
3rd	2 A Lot Of Good Men	1 length
4th	8 Memory Parade	3.33 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 5. Cool Memory.