Western Australian Breeders’ Classic – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 12 runners lining up for the $125,000 Western Australian Breeders’ Classic with 8 geldings and 4 fillies. Only 4 runners have raced at this track before. Two runners had their last start in a 3YO Plate over 1200m at Ascot on 14 January, while the other runners all came via different races. Two runners are sired by Playing God. Trainer Chris Willis has two runners.

The early favourite is All The King’s Men who has 3 wins and 4 places from 12 starts. Second favourite is Saintorio who is the only runner that hasn’t raced in 2023. Third favourite is Valsassina who has won both her starts this preparation. Saloon Bar won well over 1200m at Ascot last start. Gage Roads won over 1400m at Belmont while Feels Playful has 2 consecutive wins over 1400m at Ascot. The other runners are currently $11 or longer.

1. Saintorio (10)

He hasn’t raced since winning the Listed Air Ernest Lee-Steere Classic over 1400m at Ascot on 26 November. Quality gelding who won’t be far away.

2. All The King’s Men (11)

Has 3 wins and 4 places from 12 starts. Ran 2nd in the Sir Ernest Lee-Steere, then ran 2nd over 1200m at Ascot on 14 January when appeared to need further. One of the main chances.

3. Saloon Bar (6)

Won well over 1200m at Ascot last start. Trained by Daniel Morton who won this race with Kissinallforcheeks in 2021. In the mix.

4. Goddess Of Giving (1)

One of 2 Playing God fillies (the other is Feels Playful). Won or placed at all 4 starts this campaign and has the inside barrier. Not the worst.

5. Defiant Diorite (2)

One of 2 runners for Chris Willis (the other is Fleur Delacour). Won over 1300m at Belmont on 11 January and could surprise.

6. Gage Roads (8)

Has 2 wins and a place from 4 starts. Won over 1400m at Belmontather latest outing. William Pike rides. Place chance.

7. Alaskalot (12)

Ran on strongly from last for 0.8 length 3rd over 1200m on this track on 19 January. Drawn the outside barrier. Rough place chance.

8. Planet Cash (7)

Gets blinkers for the first time. Prefer others.

9. Master Of Ceremony (4)

The only maiden in the field . He has only had one start where he ran 5th over 1300m at this track on 12 January. Looking elsewhere.

10. Feels Playful (5)

She has 2 consecutive wins over 1400m at Ascot. Can be in the finish.

11. Valsassina (9)

Has won both her starts this preparation, both over 1200m. Chance.

12. Fleur Delacour (3)

Was a 2.7 length winner of a maiden at this track and distance on 19 January. Not the worst.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 All The King’s Men
10 Feels Playful
6 Gage Roads
1 Saintorio